WHO: Bruce Banner and Maria Hill WHAT: They have a baby! WHEN: Saturday afternoon WARNINGS: Schmoop? STATUS: Closed, Complete
Bruce Banner was not a timid man even without the benefit of his exceptionally overprotective alter ego. He spent years traveling through ravaged, war torn, third world countries to provide medical care to those in need and willingly put himself in dangerous situations too many times to count. During his travels, he delivered numerous babies in less than ideal conditions and even assisted with a couple of births since arriving on the island here.
None of that prepared him for the utter terror he would feel watching Maria go through laboring and birthing their child. The fact that he was having a child was still a source of shock and wonderment to him since the accident long ago rendered that an impossibility. At least until he met Arva. But moreso than that was the fact that he could no longer deny his feelings for Maria. He knew the statistics on the dangers of childbirth. In a modern, sterile world, those risks were minimal, but they were on a tropical island, currently blanketed in snow, with very limited resources if something went wrong. He was grateful for Christine’s steady, calm presence and for Pepper being there as additional support for Maria.
After the baby was born, the other women left to give the new parents a few minutes alone. Bruce was confident in their decision to allow Arva to raise their child, knowing that neither of them was really equipped for that, but he still appreciated the moment.
“She’s beautiful,” he said, carefully perched on the side of the exam table next to Maria who was cradling their daughter in her arms. “Just like her mother, luckily.”
***
Maria had endured accidental full contact during martial arts competitions, gunshot and knife wounds, and all manner of aches and pains that came from being fully active in espionage. None of that prepared her for the PAIN of childbirth. Not just momentary pain. Contractions were no walk in the park, had gone on for hours and then shoving out something the size of a football through the opening the size of a lemon. NOT. FUN.
But then there was this squawling, wriggling little thing in her arms and everything else went straight out of her head. Maria was sweaty, exhausted and possibly in the worst condition she’d ever been in her entire life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. There were tears in her eyes from emotion rather than physical discomfort and a baffled smile on her face as she cradled the tiny life she and Bruce had made.
Maria’s laugh for what Bruce said was a bit breathy. “Her forehead is all wrinkled up like her dad,” she said with a chuckle.
**** “Well, if she takes after you in the looks department, she’ll do just fine around here,” Bruce said. He knew that neither of them had spent any recreational time with other people for a while, but he assumed that once Maria was recovered from giving birth, that would change. They’d pretty much been living together through her pregnancy and he was fully expecting that she would want her privacy back now.
That made him a little sad to think about because she was the first person in a long time that he really allowed in and got close with. Even his brief dalliance with Natasha hadn’t resulted in the kind of emotional connection he felt like he had with Maria.
He pushed those thoughts aside, wanting to focus on the positive aspects of this moment. “Of course, we won’t have to worry about that for a while.”
***
Maria chuckled as she ran a fingertip across their daughter’s little cheek with a soft touch. “Don’t jinx her,” she said then spoke to the wee girl in her arms. “Mommy’s good looks haven’t done much for her, kid, so make use of yours.”
The only people she’d dallied with had been before she started sleeping with Bruce and all of them had left already. Not only that, but she could probably boast that she was the only person on Sex Island to actually get rejected. Twice.
***
It was beyond bizarre to hear Maria refer to herself as ‘mommy’ but it was also really sweet. Bruce leaned in and kissed the top of Maria’s head, resting his cheek there as he looked at the life they created. “It’s amazing to realize that something so small will one day be walking and talking and have opinions and thoughts of her own,” he said. “And knowing my luck, dating guys like Tony to drive me nuts.”
Even though they were giving her to the goddess, Bruce felt an overwhelming love for his daughter that he couldn’t imagine ever going away.
“You did amazing,” he said. “I wish there was some way I could show you how much this means to me.”
***
Maria leaned against Bruce feeling like she’d never stop smiling. At least their daughter seemed to accept being out in the world now instead of the absolute tantrum she’d been pitching. Not that Maria could really blame her. It was freaking cold here at the moment!
“There is one way,” she said as she moved enough to get Bruce to sit up then made to hand the teeny burrito that was his daughter to him. “Here. Hold this.”
***
Bruce was anxious about holding the newborn baby, but he knew that he wanted to have that opportunity before they handed her over to Arva. She was so tiny and delicate and exactly the opposite of the Other Guy that it was hard to believe they were both parts of him.
“I can’t believe how much I love her,” he admitted softly, staring down at his daughter’s face with a look of awe. “And you.”
That last bit slipped out unintentionally and he didn’t even realize he’d said it.
***
“Right?” Maria said in agreement about the level of attachment to their daughter. Then she blinked as she snapped her attention up at Bruce. “....what?”
Had she heard him right? Did he just say he loved her? Excitement, anxiety and relief flooded through her all at the same time. Was he going to take it back? Had he really meant it or was he just caught up in all this baby stuff? Gah!
***
Oh, he definitely meant it even though he hadn’t intended to say it. His eyes went wide when he realized what he said and his expression shifted to one of mild panic though he made an effort to stay as calm as possible so the baby in his arms wouldn’t pick up on his anxiety.
“I…. I mean…” Bruce was at an uncharacteristic loss for words. He sighed. It was out there now and he had no idea if he was going to ruin their friendship with his admission, but he wasn’t going to take it back. “I care about you,” he said, unable to make him repeat the ‘L’ word. “I know that’s not what we’re here for and I know you probably don’t feel the same way and that’s okay.”
***
He meant it! Oh god look at how panicked he was! Maria couldn’t help but smile as she chuckled a little in flat out relief. “Bruce…” she said as she grabbed him by the shoulder to pull herself up to him as best she could. “Shut up.” Then she was kissing him.
Maria put all the emotions she could into that kiss. She hadn’t meant for her eyes to get involved in this, but they misted up anyway. She smiled when she let the kiss drift away. “I love you too.”
***
It was a good thing that Bruce was coordinated because he was not expecting to be grabbed and kissed, but he managed not to jostle the baby at all. He was also not expecting Maria to say that she loved him too and his eyes went wide with shock even as he grinned.
“You do? Really?”
***
“Yes, really!” Maria laughed then gingerly shifted to the side in open invitation for him to join her with their daughter. “I think I have for a while only you always seemed so panicked at the idea of emotional attachment. I was preparing myself to push out our kid then let you go your way.”
***
Bruce handed the baby back to Maria and settled in more comfortably next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I was pretty much expecting the same thing,” he admitted. “I mean, I know that an exclusive relationship isn’t really going to work here and I’m okay with that.” Thanks to Arva controlling the Other Guy. If it wasn’t for that, he’d be very worried about the jealousy factor.
“But I was figuring you’d want your space back and I’d be back to living on my own once the baby came.”
***
Maria’s smile changed to that something different, full of wonder and love when she took their daughter back. Not only was she entirely charmed by this little lady, but she was absolutely baffled by how she had a part in creating her. That would never diminish, even as she realized her and Bruce had been absolute idiots this entire time.
“Little girl, your parents are the two stupidest people on this island, and you shouldn’t take after us.” She turned a smirk to Bruce as she leaned against him. “This is what we get for not talking to each other.” Maria paused a moment. “And Nat and Pepper are going to gloat.” Since they both had been telling her that Bruce liked her for ages now.
“I don’t want my space back and I don’t want to sleep with anyone else,” she declared as if making it an order. “I love you, Bruce. And I was never any good at the bed hopping anyway.”
***
“I’m not going to ask you to promise that you won’t sleep with other people,” Bruce said. “Because that’s just the nature of this place. And I also don’t want Arva to get angry with us.” He was far from the most active guy on the island, but he also didn’t want to make any promises that he might not be able to keep. After all, who knew what the gods might throw at them next. First it was the sexually charged baked goods and now a freaking blizzard.
He reached over to cover her hand with his. “But I will ask you to keep it away from me and I’ll do the same. Just let me know if you’re not coming home.” Because obviously he was planning to officially stay at her place now. The could use his shelter, which had been sadly neglected anyway, for casual hookups.
***
Maria smile at him. It was kind of cute that he didn’t want to see anyone flirting with her or more. “Bruce, I am probably the only person on this island that got rejected.” She paused. “Twice! By the same guy. I’m not looking to go through that again. I don’t think my ego can handle it, honestly. But if, my some miracle, something comes up I’ll make sure it’s on the far side of the island and I’ll let you know I’m okay.”
She leaned in for a kiss as she chuckled. “And never ever with Rogers.” Primarily, because as soon as Rogers learned she and Bruce loved each other she’d be plutonium.
***
Bruce chuckled. “I don’t know. Malia was complaining about being rejected too. Of course, she comes on a little too strong for my taste, so it doesn’t surprise me.” She was also young enough to be his daughter, so he had zero interest in going there. “But anyone who rejects you is a fool.” Though he wouldn’t mind having less competition for her affections.
“And I’d appreciate if you didn’t hook up with Steve. I won’t sleep with Natasha or Pepper.” There was another pause and then a mischievous grin. “Unless you want to have a threesome with one of them.”
***
Maria couldn’t help but burst out laughing for that which made their daughter fuss. Maria immediately got herself down to quiet chuckles as she soothed the little girl in her arms. “Let’s revisit that option when I’m healed up and feeling better.”
Speaking of their friends, Maria sighed. “Everyone is going to want to see her before we give her to Arva.” She would miss their daughter, but knew this was for the best. “I’d like a little sleep and to clean up some before they come in.”
***
“That’s fair,” Bruce said, reluctantly sliding out of the bed and leaning down to kiss Maria again before taking the baby. “Get some sleep. I’ll keep her warm and then maybe Christine will look after her while I help you get a shower.”
Or Christine could help her get a shower. Whatever. He knew that sex was off the table for at least a month, if not longer, but he still wanted to be close to her.
***
Maria smiled for the kiss but it was obvious that she’d be asleep in under a minute given the chance. “Just don’t take her outside and doing a Lion King, okay?” She was perfectly okay with him helping her with the shower. It sounded perfect.
“I love you,” she mumbled before snitching another kiss before he pulled away.
***
Bruce smiled. “No Disney movie recreations, I promise,” he said. “Get some sleep. We’ll be back in a little while.” And he might not even panic too much about the fact that he’d apparently been a giant idiot the past few months. Or that he was going to fuck this all up going forward.
“Love you, too,” he said, keeping his voice low in case she had already drifted off.