ᴄᴏɴᴛɪɴᴜᴇᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ ʜᴇʀᴇ // @lighteningbound
There were very few moments in the week that allowed for Banner to stray from his work, minutes would always soon bloom to hours sat away at his computer without much regard for rest, so the doctor was grateful for these stolen moments. Thor’s company, disposition as sunny as the day had allowed for, was a welcome respite from the gentle hums of the lab equipment and made for far better conversation - something Banner felt himself growing more and more at ease with after each encounter with the Asgardian.
Having taken a wrong turn through the park, it was a pleasant surprise to find the small yet bustling market taken root amongst the concrete jungle Banner had unwittingly found home for the last few months, if home had been the appropriate moniker at all. He indulged quietly in the other’s company, greatly enjoying the enduring understanding from the other who seemed as eager to understand Midgardian custom as Banner was to learning about life beyond his own stars. Amongst the bright mid-spring sun, he couldn’t help but find himself babbling away though he was no botanist. Cells were cells, biology was biology.
Bruce had once again found time catching up with them, the sun chasing their steps as they approached the dawn of the afternoon and the market seemed to be at its peak occupation. It was nice, to be able to slip by unnoticed into the crowds, quite unable to meet the Asgardian’s eyeline in fear of a rush of blood to his face. He felt quite at ease despite where they were, though there was something well at the back of his mind letting him know that this wouldn’t be for long and he was certain that soon enough they’d be thrust amongst something awful once more. He needed to savour these stolen moments as much as he could, something more pleasant to think back on when times ahead may be pressing.
A quick glance towards the other allowed for surprised confirmation that the blonde was indeed still listening though Banner found whatever relevant information he harboured on flora faltering. The little tags and images adorning the stalls and labels on each bouquet and stem being sold was somewhat charming, the doctor catching Thor’s eyes floating around them in earnest interest, a gentle warmth arising in his chest. There had been few that Bruce had actually wanted to spend time with, there were many that he knew that could hold a civil conversation or discussion on a variety of matters but very seldom did he find any time with another as enriching as he found Thor’s company. He always felt like the time between them was too short, nights stripped away with the unwelcome invitation of the sun.
As Thor’s attention was occupied elsewhere for the briefest of moments, an idea invaded Banner’s headspace- one that caused a lopsided smile to erupt upon his features. It was childish, it was downright juvenile to consider such an action, perhaps even too forwards. Somehow though, Bruce knew that the other would find no ill advancement in the small display of affection; being something that Banner had an abundance of towards the Asgardian. Picking a rather bright coloured dahlia amongst the display of plant-life, Banner presented the yellow flower with an air of jest though he could feel his face burning. He felt daft, in this small shared moment amongst faceless people preoccupied with their own business, just as daft as he had felt when nestled closer to the other many a night ago but Thor’s reaction was gratefully a warm one.
“I guess you must be,” Bruce finds his words through a half-nervous huff of laughter, an admission of reassurance through an earnest smile at the repetition of words recalled from previous nights. Thor’s words held true, in recent weeks there had been no one else he’d rather occupy his hours with. He felt a great deal of affection towards the other, more than what was most likely reasonable, but in a time with aliens and heroes and gods perhaps Banner needed to think over what was considered reasonable anymore.
He could feel his pulse quicken at the smallest of touches coaxed from the other, a playful and intimate display shared between the two of them. There was no hesitation from the doctor however, finding it as easy to welcome as it was to find friendship with the other initially- someone who understood, who made willing effort to understand not just himself but his counterpart as well.
The breathy sound of Thor’s giddy visage gave way to Banner’s own, unable to keep a straight face at the words emitted as the bright flower stood between them in the doctor’s extended offer, bright and beautiful in bloom- not too dissimilar to the Asgardian himself. Between words spoken, the air between them felt thick with all the ones that went unspoken, his bright eyes unable to tear aware from the sapphire hues that met with his own.
The moment was torn away, Banner able to avert his gaze for a moment to somewhat compose himself, having felt his body moving closer and closer to the other without much regard for personal space. Another nervous laugh emits before he watches the other purchase his own flower in a flourishing and royal purple. A humorous exchange, Banner swapped flowers with the other, passing them through each others hands as he looked down at the deep hue of the petals in gratitude though through an urge to not act rashly assumed firstly it may be due to a misunderstanding of earth culture.
“Well I’m glad, thank you. You know- you don’t have to just say that because I did.” The doctor found himself assuring the other, though knew from the bright look in the other’s expression that politeness and etiquette was not the cause for Thor’s words.
