Knew you once
Before you read, please be warned that I'm writing based on my impressions of them not only in the game (though it's the biggest inspiration), but some of them with the movies/shows in mind too.
Summary: In your universe you knew Bruce, and were close. In his universe, he never knew you. How will you gain the friendship of this brand new, but old friend?
(Basically- you love Bruce, he doesn't know you)
Uugh I love Bruce so much you guys 😭
Masterlist
The Multiverse was much more confusing than you thought it'd be. I mean, just the mere concept was confusing, but actually going through it? Even worse, especially when you know so many of the people you were with- but they didn't seem to know you as well as you did them.
Exhibit A, Bruce Banner. A one of a kind scientist with powers to turn into the Hulk after a research experiment gone wrong. In your world, the two of you were inseparable- two peas in a pod. You worked together in a lab after meeting at Stark towers, and a friendship bloomed.
A type of friendship where neither of you had to worry about hurting the others feelings, one where you could relentlessly tease the other and they'd only laugh- not get angry. One where you could insult each other and know it was out of affection. But you had to put all that behind you now, because the Bruce that you stared at from across the room was not your Bruce. He was certainly Bruce, but not yours.
He was different, but you could tell it was Bruce- he always loved that purple button up. His appearance was different, yet the same at the same time. You knew he would act differently too, personality seemed to vary a lot in the multiverse it seemed. Approaching would be difficult, but necessary if you wanted Bruce back in your life while the fight was going on; being so used to having him as an anchor and vice versa in high stress moments.
With a deep breath for courage, you walked across the room and right by his side- gently tapping him on the shoulder before beginning to speak.
“Bruce! I have to say, after all this time your research on the human DNA and possibly changing the genetic codes is still one of my favorites” you offered a smile, and in return he did too- though it was a weak one that definitely didn't reach his eyes.
While the smile was more of a nervous one, you took it as a start as he replied “Oh, thank you… uh- I can't say I know you, are you involved in genetic sciences too?”
“It's alright” you responded in kind, not wanting him to feel bad for not knowing you (which really did hurt), before answering his question- “and definitely not. I tend to stick with technology, but- I don't know, that paper was just amazing.” And you had meant it.
Again he offered a smile in return to your answer, a small nod to go along with it- again, nothing reached his eyes. Stupid you, not realizing that specific research has resulted in probably his deepest trauma- this was so hard, your Bruce wouldn't have cared as much.
Gently placing a hand on his shoulder, you tried correcting yourself. “I know it probably isn't your favorite of all the research papers you've done, for obvious reasons… But I loved it, I sort of admire you- It! I admire it” you fumbled to correct your mistake, but it was definitely heard.
A laugh escaped him, a bigger smile on his face than before- it came up to his eyes. He took your hand off his shoulder and into his, where he held it in both with a soft grip.
“I know you know me, and I'm sorry I can't return the sentiment. But I'm sure if I was friends with you in your universe, I made a good judgement about you…” his voice was soft, you couldn't handle how much it sounded like your Bruce, “It'll take some time, but I hope we can have the same relationship you had with me- your Bruce. Probably not the exact same, but I'd like for it to be similar.”
Dumbfounded, you just nodded, staring at your hand in his, focusing on the warmth it brought to you- your entire body.
Bringing a hand up from yours, he adjusted his glasses before letting go of your hands completely and putting them in his pockets, “We'll talk another time, definitely soon, okay?” Right, you were technically on the job right now.
Putting your hand down so it didn't stay where it was in his hold, you nodded and waved with a smile before moving away; nervously looking around to make sure no one saw how utterly embarrassed you were for your behavior. You watched as he muttered something to himself and started to ‘hulk out’, as he called it.
Taking the opportunity, you watched the process closely. The chance to see it happen so up close didn't come by often in your world.
As the match started and progressed, it seemed like the Hulk, or Bruce, were never out of your sight- or you out of his. How sweet, maybe he could same friendship you had with your Bruce- or even closer if you got lucky.
