The moment the plane touched down, the spoilers opened and the speeding jet slowed visibly.
The cabin door opened.
At the private airfield, leaning against a sky-blue sports car, stood S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Natasha Romanoff. Dressed in a tight combat suit that outlined her figure, she smiled as she saw the man stepping out with a duffel bag.
"Bruce."
"Natasha."
Bruce Banner walked down from the plane and gave her a brief, friendly hug.
After the Battle of New York, the Avengers had truly become friends.
"Tony's missing?"
"Yes."
As Natasha drove them out of the airport, she said to Bruce, who sat in the passenger seat, "Latest intel—Pepper Potts is missing too."
Bruce inhaled sharply.
"The Mandarin?"
"Based on current clues, yes," Natasha replied, shaking her head. "But there are differing opinions in the agency on whether it's the real Mandarin."
Bruce frowned, then asked curiously.
"What about the others? Steve?"
"He went to the UK. You know—Agent Carter is in London."
"Thor? Wasn't he going to see Jane?"
"He hasn't returned."
"Hawkeye?"
"He's tied up on a mission in Europe."
"…."
So I'm the only one free, huh.
Bruce thought bitterly, then gave a wry smile. "But I promised Betty. You know, this is my last chance to win her back."
Since the Battle of New York, he had discovered the key to transforming.
In simple terms, he had found a balance with Hulk. As long as he maintained it, he could control the rhythm of his transformations.
Of course, he could control himself before transforming. But once Hulk was out, there was no controlling him.
Hulk was simply too fierce.
Still, that wasn't the point. What mattered was that Bruce believed he could now control it enough to try reconciling with his former girlfriend, Betty.
Thanks to his role in the Battle of New York, he had helped defend Earth. The President had pardoned his crimes, and with S.H.I.E.L.D. backing him, he no longer feared Betty's father capturing him for experiments.
This Christmas holiday was his chance to mend things with her.
Natasha, seeing his troubled smile, quickly added, "We've detected some unknown energy at a battle site. You're the expert in energy fields. It won't take much of your time, and we've already located Tony's likely position."
Bruce's eyes lit up.
"Where?"
"Rose Hill, Tennessee."
"Tennes—"
Bruce hesitated, then asked, "Why not head straight there?"
Natasha smiled and nodded toward the bag on his lap. "I figured you brought a gift. You'd probably want to drop it off at your cabin with Betty first. If it got damaged or lost in the trip, it'd ruin your mood."
The logic…
Bruce considered it and nodded. "That makes sense. So first Culver to drop my things, then Tennessee?"
Natasha nodded.
"Yes. How's that plan sound?"
"Good. Perfect. Thanks."
"No need."
Natasha smiled.
It was only about thirty kilometers from the private airport to the cabin Bruce had rented by Culver Lake.
Natasha's driving skills were top-notch, and with a sports car, the short trip didn't take long.
When the engine shut off, both doors opened.
Natasha stepped out, removed her sunglasses, and admired the scenery—the mountains, the shimmering Culver Lake under the afternoon sun.
"This place is beautiful. Did you find it, or Betty?"
"Betty."
Carrying his duffel, Bruce smiled sheepishly. "I know plenty of good spots in Bharat, but Betty didn't want to go there. She doesn't have the best memories of the place."
Heh.
It wasn't just Betty. Truthfully, no woman had a good impression of Bharat.
Even the lizards there had to watch their backsides.
Natasha smirked at the thought but didn't pursue it. Instead, she said, "I'll wait outside."
Bruce nodded and went to the cabin, entering the code and heading inside with his bag.
Natasha turned to head back to the car to wait for him so they could soon depart for Tennessee.
But then—
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a figure approaching from a distance.
A young man.
And he was clearly heading their way.
It was Hawk.
He had promised Gwen he would bring her along, but not directly to the scene. He had left her in a safe spot where she could still watch from afar, then came alone.
Hawk had expected Bruce Banner to be alone.
But Natasha was here too.
As their eyes met, Hawk walked up to her.
Natasha frowned.
"You are…?"
"I'm here for Bruce Banner."
"…."
Her eyes narrowed. "Who are you? How do you know Bruce is here?"
Her hand moved cautiously toward her waist, ready to draw her weapon.
Hawk noticed but paid it no mind.
Because Bruce had already stepped out of the cabin, bag put away.
Bruce froze at the sight: Natasha tense, hand at her waist, and a young man standing before her, smiling faintly.
Hawk's smile grew wider as his eyes met Bruce's.
"Bruce Banner?"
"I am. And you are…?"
"Hawk!"
"Anya's brother!"
"…."
Tomorrow the novel goes premium. The author's note will be released later!
(End of Chapter)
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