No longer mine (Bruce Banner Imagine)
Bruce walked with Tony side by side. Tony had his check up in the hospital today so Bruce went out with him. Just when they were about to leave the hospital, Tony spotted you.
"Hey Y/N!"
Bruce's looked into the direction where Tony was looking at and there, he saw you.
There it was, that familiar glow of the room when you're in it. Just like before, you were shining.
You seemed a bit surprised to see them but you quickly changed that shocked expression into a happy one. You jogged to them and flashed them a huge smile. "hey!"
"Wow! It's really you! How long has it been??" Tony said, obviously so happy.
"Three years I think?" You offered a hug to Tony and the same with Bruce. "I didn't expect to bump into you two here."
Bruce was taken aback. He was so surprised to see you here. After 3 years, you two have finally crossed paths. You look the same, but no matter how much he looks at your pictures before, they were nothing in compared to seeing you right now.
Bruce watched as your eyes fell on him, making him hold his breath. "Hi Bruce, how are you?"
Tony and Bruce were both surprised to see you acting cool about it. Like nothing has happened.
"Great." Was the only thing that Bruce can say.
Tony decided to save his science bro and decided to take your attention instead. "Why are you in the hospital?"
You shifted your gaze from Bruce to Tony, smiling once again. "I—"
Suddenly, your phone rang and you quickly answered it. "Yes! I'm on my way there." You looked at the two of them with sorry filled eyes. "Sorry but I really need to go."
The science bros nodded. "Sure, go ahead."
"I'll drop by the tower one of these days, I have something to tell you guys." You simply said before you went running away.
Bruce was left speechless, watching as you disappeared into the crowd. Tony just watched his friend who missed you so much for those three years.
"You know, it's been 3 years and I still don't get why you broke up with her." When Tony said that, Bruce was reminded of that night.
"I'm sorry Y/N, but I don't love you anymore." He still remembers saying those hurtful things.
That night when he finished everything between the two of you. That night when you cried in front of him, begging him to take back the things he said.
The only night that you weren't shining, and it was all because of him.
"Clearly, you're still in love with her. So why don't you run after her and tell her you were wrong. That she really was the one for you?" And with that, Bruce glared at Tony and started walking away.
*
Bruce was busy tinkering with his new upgrade for the hulk buster a while ago, but now he's just staring into space.
Seeing you at the hospital today made him remember all of his memories of you.
The night when you first danced together in one of Tony's parties. Where you two first kissed.
The night where you two walked in the streets, your fingers locked with his, the moon and stars shined on both you and him.
The mornings where you wake him up by giving him a gentle kiss on his cheeks.
Even remembering your favorite movie made his heart ache.
But these thoughts disappeared when an annoying Tony Stark came rushing into the lab.
"BANNER!" Bruce jumped in surprise and his eyes tinged green. Tony stepped back when he saw this. "Oh no. No! No! Don't hulk out! I have news!"
Bruce tried to calm himself down as he looked at his monitor wherein Tony placed an article about some doctor, an anesthesiologist. But what caught Bruce's attention was your name and your picture standing side by side with the doctor.
World-renowned Anesthesiologist is Getting Married
Bruce took his glasses to read the article.
"That's why we bumped into her in that hospital." Tony commented. "Her..." he contemplated before talking again because he was a bit uncomfortable to say the next words. "Her fiancé works there. It looks like they've been together for two years. They worked together in another hospital.
Two years. She's moved on from me for two years. He couldn't help but think. It's been three years and he's still in love with you.
"What's interesting is that, that anesthesiologist suffers from a rare disease and it's very rare for patients to live for more than 25 years. But look at him! He's even a doctor and a world renowned one at that!" Tony can't stop his rambling.
Bruce scrolled the article as he saw pictures of you and the guy laughing and staring at each other. You looked genuinely happy... and in love.
His heart was beating so fast, he didn't even know why it was beating so fast.
The day went on in the tower, and now, it's finally time to eat dinner. Clint was the last one to join them, he was running when he came in.
"Guys! Have you heard the news?" He said as he hurriedly went to Tony. " Y/N's getting married to a world-renowned anesthesiologist! Their love story is all over the internet!"
"Really?" Tony stood up, not being able to read the whole story yet, he took Clint's phone.
"Yes, apparently, the doctor fell in love with Y/N at first but never tried to make any move. It was Y/N who initiated it and the doctor rejected her twice."
Steve opened his mouth, eyes on Bruce who stopped eating, "uhh... guys... can you not talk abou—"
"TWICE?!" Tony shouted upon reading it. "Because the doctor didn't want her to get hurt if something happens to him." He reads on. Thor stood from his seat and went to the two guys to read the article too.
Bruce gulped and placed his spoon and fork down.
"They look so in love, don't they?" Clint said once more.
"I agree." - Thor
"He stares at her as if—" Clint was about to say once more but Natasha cut him off.
"Clint, it might be better for you to sit and eat."
And with that, Clint lifted his gaze from his phone, Nat jerked her head to Bruce's direction whose eyes were now focused on his plate.
Clint looked to the doctor and immediately realized that Bruce joined them for dinner tonight, which was very rare because he mostly spends his whole night in the lab, his eyes widened and he cleared his throat.
"Uhm." He exhaled. "...right," slowly making his way to his seat.
The whole room went quiet, and Bruce was aware that they were expecting him to say something. He was aware that everyone was looking at him.
Bruce gulped and decided to stand from his chair. "Good for her." He said softly then began to leave the dining room.
Bruce went to his room and let himself fall to his bed. He buried his face in his pillows as he tried to get those thoughts out of his mind, but it wouldn't work. He unconsciously reached for his drawer and took a velvet box out of it. He opened the box and stared at the ring.
A ring that he was supposed to give you before.
**
4 years ago...
He bought the ring yesterday, and now he went to your home to get your father's blessing. He was so excited to marry you.
But, unlike his expectations, your father wasn't very happy about the idea. Instead of giving his blessing, he even pleaded Bruce to let you go.
"I want a normal life for my daughter." He pleaded. "She's suffered enough when she lost her mom, I don't want her to suffer anymore."
**
Bruce closed his eyes and threw the box.
The next day, everyone were silent while having breakfast. Clint still looked sorry after what he did last night, and Tony had this look in his face as if he's contemplating.
He finally gave in and sighed. "Guys... uhh.." his eyes linger on Bruce for a brief second. " Y/N's going to drop by tonight."
Everyone's head shot up and looked at Tony. Nat raised her eyebrows on him.
"She said she has something to give us.. uhm.. I was wondering if we could ask her to have dinner with us? I don't want to send her off just like that, it's been three years since we last met her."
"Tony." Nat warned, knowing how this affects Bruce.
Clint sighed and stared at Bruce. "I agree.. I don't think it's a good idea."
Tony looked at Thor. "but I miss Lady Y/N."
Tony looked to Steve who just stared at Bruce.
"Sure, why not?" The scientist said, faking a smile. A smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Their faces changed. "What?"
"It's been three years. And I do agree that we can't just send her off just like that. She's..." Bruce stopped for a moment. "She's Y/N, not just anyone. She's friends with everyone here."
"Right, I was about to say that." Clint said cheerfully. "I agree," looking so excited, his smile might rip his face.
"Alright! I'll tell her." Tony said and took out his phone, looking happy.
Nat and Captain on the other hand looked at Bruce worriedly, and Thor... Thor just continued on eating, seemingly happy upon hearing what Bruce just said.
So that's how you ended up here, in front of him, inside the tower, flashing everyone with a friendly smile.
Clint hurriedly pulled you for a hug. " Y/N! I missed you!"
You chuckled to your best and hugged him back. "I missed you too, Legolas."
Tony grinned and offered a hug. "and that's why I missed you."
"Missed you guys too."
Finally, your eyes set on Bruce and it was as if he was brought back to three years ago, when you two were still together.
"Hi Bruce," you said, offering a hug. Bruce gulped and hesitantly accepted the hug. Wondering how something that used to be so familiar to him felt so distant.
Tony and Clint stared at each other with wide eyes.
"It's been a while, have you been well?" You asked more, in which Bruce nodded.
You were still shining in his eyes; it seems like you were able to lit up the whole tower. For years, he felt like the tower seemed darker but now that you're here, it's no longer dark.
"Yes," He managed to answer, he brushed his hand to his hair. "I see you've been well too?"
"Thankfully."
Bruce bit his lip and slowly nodded, eyes still examining you. "That's good."
You both stood there, staring at each other but with different expressions on your faces. You look genuinely happy while Bruce looked like longing for you. And everyone except you knew this. How sad Bruce's eyes looked, he looked like he has something more to say than what he said.
They were right, he did have so much more to say. He wanted to ask you how everything ended up like this. But he already knew the answer to that, he knew it was his fault. He was the foolish one. For pushing you away, for hurting you so much that you will never think of coming back again, but still wanting to have you in his arms again.
Clint knew that he needed to get everyone's attention, because you two have been staring at each other for a while now.
"Sooo," he said loudly, getting everyone's attention. "Did you come alone?"
"Oh right," You said. "I told Yohan I'll drop by, he said he'll try to drop by too after he finished work."
Yohan
You said his name sweetly, you even giggled. "I don't think he'll be able to make it though, he has so many things to do."
"That's understandable, he's a world-renowned anesthesiologist." Tony said.
You giggled once again. "Please stop saying that, he hates it."
You imagine Yohan's face whenever you call him that, it makes him uncomfortable and slightly cringe. He would glare at you like a child or playfully attack you to stop you from calling him that.
Your imagination was not a secret to everyone, as they watch how you giggled to yourself, they realized you've been thinking about the doctor.
And Bruce couldn't help but to feel a sting in his heart, watching how you were so happy.
"Oh! Here are your invitations." You opened your bag and took out your wedding invitations and gave it to everyone.
Bruce stared at the card in his hand, staring at your picture and your husband-to-be.
"He's really busy these days so I don't think he'll make it to dinner."
"That's what you're going to tell them?" A voice said, making you all turn around.
There, you saw your fiancé standing with his hands in his pocket.
"Yohan!" He was wearing your favorite black t-shirt of him that makes him look so good. You ran to him and he stared at you with joy in his eyes. "I didn't think you'd make it."
He smiled boyishly and ruffled your hair. "I wouldn't miss a chance to meet your friends. Besides, it's not like you're the only one getting married here." He whispered to you.
You smiled at him, you can't help but feel your heart flutter in his words. He took your hand in his.
"So, are you going to introduce me to them or not?" He added when you just stood there, staring at him.
"Right! Sorry." You remembered, making him chuckled. You pulled him by your hand that was holding his own.
"Guys, this is Yohan, my fiancé. Yohan, they're the avengers."
Yohan extended his hand to everyone. "Nice to meet you."
"Tony Stark." Tony said, shaking Yohan's hand.
"Clint Barton."
"Thor,"
"Steve Rogers,"
"Natasha."
And at last, Yohan's gaze fell to the other doctor.
You bit your lip, being reminded of the times when Yohan would playfully tell you he's jealous with your ex.
"Nice to meet you Dr. Banner." Yohan said with a huge smile in his face.
"Nice to meet you too."
After they shook hands with each other, Yohan returned to your side, hand resting on your back.
"Let's go have some dinner." Tony said.
All throughout the dinner, you two were asked by the group. Laughing and joking with each other, they seem to like your fiancé, and the feelings were mutual.
All throughout the dinner, Bruce watched how Yohan stared at you. He always had a smile on his face whenever he looks at you, and he smiles even bigger when he hears your voice.
When the dinner was over, Tony, Clint and Thor snatched you away from your fiancé while captain and Nat left to meet Fury.
Bruce was left to clean up. "You should probably head upstairs, I bet Tony took her to show off his new suits."
Yohan stood up. "No, I'll help you."
The scientist smiled a little, trying so hard to send him away. "You're our guest, you sho—"
But before he can even finish what he was saying, Yohan already started cleaning the table. "It's okay, really."
Bruce just nodded and whispered. "Okay,"
It was awkward, they both know it. They became busy with what they were doing and there was a long silence between the two of them.
"I understand why you did it." Yohan said, getting Bruce's attention.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Her father talked to me too. He begged me to do the same thing." While saying this, Yohan looked at Bruce, who was shocked with what he heard.
"To tell you the truth, I almost did the same thing. But I talked to her about it," Bruce was now staring at the other doctor, who smiled when he was reminded of that time. "She had the right to know, it was our relationship and I don't get to decide by myself."
He chuckled. "She told me she's willing to fight it with me rather than avoid it. Y/N's so much stronger that what you think, Dr. Banner."
"Just like you, I'm scared of what may happen in the future, I'm scared she'll only get hurt. But... I'm more scared of losing her." Yohan sighed. "So, I decided that as much as I can... I'll make her happy."
Bruce smiled upon hearing that. Realizing how he's so much better than him.
"Hey! Yohan you stop that!" Tony yelled, taking the plates away from Yohan.
"You're our guest." Clint agreed.
The four have returned, ending the conversation between the two doctors.
When you had enough time to check on your friends, you finally decided to leave. Reminding everyone that they should come to your wedding.
Bruce watched as you left hand in hand with Yohan, nearly collapsing to the man while saying how tired you are. Your fiancé just laughed at you and held you close to him.
"You know my loyalty to you, Bruce. I wanted to hate him but I can't. He's too kind and funny and good-looking." Tony said to Bruce.
The day of your wedding came, Bruce hesitated to go. He can't attend it, he can't watch you getting married to someone else... but he ended up doing so. Now, he was at your wedding's reception. A slow song played while he was standing at the center of the room.
Across the room, you watch him. Then, you felt someone holding your hand. "Dance with him." Your fiancé's familiar voice said and you looked behind you, smiling at him.
"What? No." you chuckled. He shook his head and held your hand.
"He's been a big part of your life, Y/N. And I understand that. At least dance with him for the last time?" You stared at him and your heart swelled, you were really lucky to have met him. You stood on your tip toes and hugged him.
"I love you, I really do. So much." You told him.
He rubbed his hand on your back, hugging you tight. "I know you do, and I love you too. I know you still have some things to tell him, so go on."
When you two pulled back from the hug, you slowly approached Bruce. The man whom you used to love so much. You tap his shoulder with your fingers and he turned around, looking so surprised to see you standing in front of him.
You can't help but smile at his reaction.
"May I have this dance?"
"Can I have this dance?" That's what you asked him when you two first danced together.
Bruce felt the same thing he felt that night. The excitement and the happiness.
You watched as he sighed to himself and bit his lip, his eyes turned soft while staring at you, before saying. "Sure."
"Sure." He answered you that night, and the rest was history.
Well tonight, it really is just a history. A history of what you two, buried under memories.
Slowly, you two started to dance to the song. Tony and the others spotted this and watched across the room.
"Congratulations." Bruce said while looking at your eyes. He was smiling but it didn't reach his eyes, he was slowly realizing that this isn't the same as your first dance. For this time, this time might be his last dance with you.
"Thank you. Thank you for coming, I really appreciate it." Bruce nodded at you and you two stared at each other for a long time.
"I'm sorry." Bruce said all of a sudden. "I'm sorry for telling you those hurtful words before. I don't know if it will change anything but I want you to know that I didn't mean any of it."
You nodded at him. "I know." You sighed. "I realized why you did that, apparently, my dad asked Yohan to do the same thing."
"It all went wrong when I did that. I've always regret making that decision."
"You should've talked to me about it, instead of deciding what you think is best for the two of us. You didn't even give me a chance to decide and to fight for our relationship." You finally get if off your chest, that's what you've been wanting to say. "I wished you believed in me, even for just a little. I could've handled it. That's what a relationship is all about."
Bruce suddenly felt his tears threatening to fall, but he didn't want you to see him crying. He didn't want to make you feel bad, especially in this special day. "Can I hug you for the last time?"
You couldn't help but to feel your heart sting when you heard the sadness in his voice. So, you nodded. "Of course."
Right after you said that, he hugged you. Tightly. His tears started falling but he remained calm. You two danced like that.
"You know I loved you right? So much. And I still do." He said, whispering those words with his mouth on your head.
You nodded and hugged him back. "I know. And I loved you. So much. I never thought I'll ever love someone just as much as I loved you."
You rubbed small circles on his back. "But Yohan made me realize that I can. I love him so much Bruce, I don't think I can ever live without him. He believes in me more than I believe in myself."
"I can see that. I know how much he loves you, it's written all over his face." Bruce said making the two of them chuckle. "I'm really happy for you."
"You'll meet someone else who will make you realize that you can love again. Someone who might not be able to take the pain away, but someone who's willing to be in pain with you. Because that's what love is, Bruce. Understanding a person's pain is understanding that person."
"I don't know... I don't think I can love someone as much as I loved you."
Hearing that, you pulled away from the hug to look at him face to face. You held his hand using your left hand, and held his cheek by your right hand. "Trust me, you will."
Bruce nodded at you as he looked behind you, "let's bring you back to your husband." And he smiled. This time, his smile reached his eyes. He took your left hand with him and drag you towards Yohan.
"Thank you for taking care of her. Please be happy for the rest of your lives."
Yohan stared back at Bruce. "We will. Thank you for taking care of her too."
Bruce stared at your hand that he was holding. He breathed in deeply before finally giving your hand to your husband.
He's letting you go. For real.
And when he let go of your hand, he smiled at you and your husband. Before leaving the two of you to share your dance.
Bruce watched as the people cheered when you two danced. You buried your face to your husband's chest and you were crying while holding tightly to him.
At that moment, you two were shining. As if you two were really meant to be together.
Bruce glanced for the last time, before he turned his back and started to leave the room.
For three years he still has this lingering feeling, hoping that maybe he'll meet you again, and maybe you two can start again. For three years he still thinks that you're still his.
But today, today he puts an end on it as he thought.
"You're no longer mine."
Your somebody else's now.