We're Running With It- Mr. & Mrs. Banner

Vol. 5 Tea Time

(Natasha and Alex turn to Bruce and ask him for a snack. He then gets up from his seat and walks into the kitchen turning to the kitchen cupboards and reaches for the cupboard closest to the fridge. While getting and assorting the cookies and watermelon slices onto two separate plates his gaze is cought off by their conversation)

Nat- You and I never did have a proper introduction. If you don't mind me asking what were you saying by "You and I are in the same boat".

Alex- (humph) I... (Gestures to Natasha's arm then grabs her wrist and puts her index and middle fingers on her wrist and taps 6 point then the seventh slides down. From 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and finally 1. Revealing t strange symbol on her arm and smiles). You and I have the same marking, from the same place we got our special skill set. (She then folds her wrist forwards and back. Alex then shows Natasha her wrist mark) They call it the naming ritual. It's purpose is to claim you as theirs as well as other things. But don't worry there's no mind control stuff... I think

Bruce walks in and hands Alex her cookies then hands Natasha her fruit then takes his seat. And notices Natasha's new expression and soon turns his head to Alex

Nat- Thanks, what... Does this... Is this an effective form of tracking or is it just for determining your students from regular girls and women.

Alex- This method of identification has many limits one being that, it's not a great method of regaining your "property". As they put it but if your next question is about the baby getting it don't worry. It's more of a cosmetic magic trick less generic your baby is fine

Nat- You said they do "other things". What kind of other things

Alex- Well I covered the major questions so when you make your mark visual it does have this habit of attracting other widow's that are in the area to you. The other pesky thing would be a.i.m you heard of them

Natasha looks over to Bruce and then puts her hand on his shoulder and turns back to Alex and gently shakes her head in agreement. She then moves in closer and gives Bruce a good comforting hug

Nat- We've meet on a different occasion and based on both those notions I think this mark is best covered up until further notice.

Alex- I heard about what happened, and I'm glad that you got out of it

Bruce- Yah thanks. But we're here to just come to an agreement with Shield and the world's governments. Then we go home at least that was the plan. (he looks over to Natasha)

Nat- What do you mean "That was the plan".

Bruce- Nat Just how far are you willing to go

Nat- All the way

Bruce- They... They... (Sighs) They made me an offer I couldn't refuse

(Natasha looks at Bruce and with one glance knew exactly what he meant. She then focused her attention to Alex. Bruce looked down at the ground but his hand remained intertwined with nat's until she came back to meet his distant gaze)

Nat- Are you going to stay a week or a month?

Bruce- A month

Nat- Is there any way to convince you otherwise?

Bruce- It's too good to pass up. This kind of opportunity

Nat- Fine, but come home when you done working

(They kiss and embrace with a gentle and long hug. Afterwards they sit back down and continue speaking with Alex while holding back tears Natasha reaches for his hand and once in reach she holds on to him tightly. Knowing this is it he'll be gone tomorrow and for a very long time so she needed to treasure these moments with him.)