There had been so much to concern himself with, so many matters far bigger than himself and beyond the scope of his capabilities that it came as both surprise and relief to have issues brought to such a personal level. Recent years had proved, if anything, how ill-prepared the Avengers were for what was coming and (with the dread of that still locked in the back of his mind), the scientist’s softly-spoken words were a much-needed reason to reassess his thought patterns.
Returning his sights to the stars was not yet an option, so Thor continued to regard Bruce quietly with both soft affection and open curiosity. After all he had been through, after all he had sacrificed himself as well as finding himself thrown into adventures off-world it would feel remiss not to echo the sentiment of concern. Banner had his own demons from long before their meeting and enough on his mind without having to help shoulder Asgard’s grief. That he was so willing not only to protect but help with the recovery of his people meant more than any simple words would express.
“You know,” he smiled, “not all Asgardians are warriors or gods. Far from it: the core of our people are scholars, healers, artists…extraordinary people, some might say. The heart and soul of who we are and all we strive to protect. After what you have done for us, I don’t think there’s anyone here who would disagree with me when I say you will always have a place amongst us.”
It was a blatant an invitation as he could make, and one he was all too happy to offer. Both Bruce and Hulk had a complex dynamic with the peoples of Earth, and so in extending this offer he held a hope that, should things again become difficult and Asgard be rebuilt, it could provide a safe haven for the man who had done so much.
The rest of the conversation was spoken a touch more quietly, uncertainly. “And thank you, Banner. Truly. I am…I’m not coping as well as I would hope, but I fear it might be…if I let myself dwell too long upon what we’ve lost it would be all to easy to give in to despair. I don’t…know if it is wise, not whilst we’re in space. What of you? How are you feeling after everything?”
Thor’s declaration caused a lump to rise in his throat. It had been so long since Bruce had belonged… anywhere, really, and to hear him now so easily tell him that he had a place with the people of Asgard now. Though he had nothing but memories to his name, Thor was willing to grant him a safe haven. The sincerity, as always, stirred something within him, and he was almost tempted to accept the offer. Almost.
Bruce knew that, as long as he was around people, he was still a danger. Still, he smiled back at Thor, wistfully imagining for a moment what could not be.
Finally, Bruce got an answer out of him - one he’d hoped not to hear, for Thor’s sake, but one he’d expected nonetheless since his friend’s world turned completely upside down. It was as much as he was probably going to get out of him now, judging by his solemn words and his apparent desire to hold it together, and so Bruce relented somewhat. “It my not be wise,” he agreed, “But- you know, it does help to talk about it. And if you do want to- y’know, talk about it, I’m here.” His counter-offer was extended; Thor knew now out of all of them what it was like to have everything he’d ever loved stripped away from him, and Bruce was glad to know that he’d have a confidante.
The conversation turned back upon him. Bruce gave a non-commital shrug. “I feel like I picked a fight with a train and lost,” He admitted, “My head is… pounding, actually, but- I dunno. The Other Guy isn’t trying to shut me out anymore, and I’m… not shutting him out, either.” It was completely new territory for him, when he’d lived so long fighting to keep his alter-ego down. To have a truce, however temporary it probably was, was a bit of a relief, if only for the sake of his headache.
“S’different this time. Feels like a whole new ball game.”
