Marvel: The Enlightened One-Chapter 70: [] - At Last, Bruce Banne (Bonus)

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The roar of the jet engines softened to a whine as the private plane touched down, its tires kissing the asphalt of the secluded airfield.

The moment it rolled to a stop, the cabin door swung open.

Leaning against the sleek lines of a sky-blue sports car was Natasha Romanoff. She was dressed in a black tactical suit that hugged her every curve, a practical yet undeniably striking choice.

A genuine smile broke across her face as she pushed away from the car, walking to meet the man who now stood at the top of the stairs, a simple duffel bag in his hand.

"Bruce."

"Natasha."

Dr. Bruce Banner descended the steps, and their embrace was brief but warm—the easy familiarity of soldiers who had bled together.

The Avengers, forged in the crucible of the New York invasion, were no longer just a team, they were friends.

"So, Tony’s really missing?" Bruce asked as they got into the car, his voice low.

"And Pepper..."

Natasha confirmed, her eyes fixed on the road as she expertly guided the sports car off the airfield. "The latest intel says she’s been taken, too."

Bruce drew in a sharp breath. "The Mandarin?"

"All the evidence points to him—" she said with a slight shake of her head. "But there’s a debate within the agency about whether this is the real Mandarin of legend."

Bruce’s brow furrowed. He settled into the plush passenger seat. "What about the others? Steve?"

"He’s in London."

"Thor? I thought he was going to find Jane."

"Hasn’t returned yet."

"And Clint?"

"Tied up on a mission in Europe. Can’t be reached."

"..."

So, I’m the only one on call, then.

A weary smile touched Bruce’s lips. He looked at Natasha, a hint of apology in his eyes. "But I made a promise to Betty. You know this was my last chance to fix things."

After the Battle of New York, after he had willingly transformed, he had found something new: a fragile, tentative balance point between himself and the Hulk. As long as he maintained it, he could control the change.

Of course, he still couldn’t control the Hulk himself. The Other Guy was just too savage.

But it was enough...

Enough to earn him a presidential pardon for his past rampages.

Enough, with the backing of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the world’s gratitude, to finally reach out to Betty without fearing that her monstrous father would hunt him down for dissection.

This Christmas vacation was supposed to be their chance to heal.

Natasha’s expression softened. "We found traces of an unknown energy signature at one of the attack sites. You’re the world’s foremost expert in that field. And this won’t take long, Bruce. We think we’ve already found Tony’s location."

Bruce’s eyes lit up. "Where?"

"Rose Hill, Tennessee."

"Tenness—" Bruce paused, confused. "Then why aren’t we flying there now?"

A knowing smile played on Natasha’s lips. She gestured to the duffel bag at his feet. "I figured you might have brought gifts. I thought you’d want to drop them off at your and Betty’s cabin first. If they got lost or broken on the flight over, you’d be in a pretty bad mood."

The reason was surprisingly thoughtful.

Bruce considered it, then nodded. "That’s a very good point. So, we’re stopping by the cabin in Culver first, then heading to Tennessee?"

Natasha nodded. "That’s the plan. How’s that for service?"

"Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Thank you, Natasha."

"Don’t mention it."

...

The drive from the airfield to the lakeside cabin Bruce and Betty had rented was only thirty miles. With Natasha behind the wheel of a high-performance sports car, it took them almost no time.

The engine died, and the two car doors opened in quick succession.

Natasha stepped out, removing her sunglasses as she took in the idyllic scene. The cabin was nestled between a dense forest and the calm, clear waters of the lake, which shimmered under the afternoon sun.

"This place is beautiful," she said, genuinely impressed. "Did you find it yourself, or was it Betty?"

"Betty did." Bruce pulled his duffel bag from the car, a shy smile on his face.

...

Natasha watched as he entered a code and disappeared inside. She was about to get back in the car to wait, ready to head for Tennessee the moment he returned.

But just as she turned, a flicker of movement at the edge of the woods caught her eye.

A young man was walking toward them, his steps calm and deliberate...

It was Hawk.

He had promised to bring Gwen here, but not to the meeting itself. He had left her in a safe, concealed spot with a clear line of sight, and had approached alone.

Hawk had expected Bruce Banner to be by himself.

He hadn’t planned on the Black Widow being here too.

Hawk continued his approach, his eyes locked with Natasha’s, his mind already recalibrating.

Natasha’s relaxed posture vanished, replaced by a tense, coiled readiness. Her brow furrowed. "Can I help you?"

"I’m looking for Bruce Banner."

"..."

Natasha’s eyes narrowed, her body shifting into a combat stance. "Who are you, and how do you know he’s here?"

As she spoke, her right hand moved, resting casually but purposefully on the sidearm holstered at her hip.

Hawk glanced at her defensive posture but paid it no mind.

Because at that moment, the cabin door opened, and Bruce Banner stepped back outside.

Bruce saw Natasha, poised and ready to strike, and the calm, smiling young man standing before her. He froze, confused.

Hawk’s smile widened as he looked at the man who had just emerged.

"Bruce Banner?"

"I am," Bruce said, his eyes darting between Hawk and Natasha. "And you are...?"

"Hawk."

"Anya’s brother."

"..."

...

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