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Physical touch had always been Bruce’s biggest love language and it was one that you shared. Sometimes it was simple pecks on the cheek or lips as you passed by him in the kitchen. Other times it would be cuddling or holding hands while hanging out with the other Avengers watching movies or playing games. Still other times would find you embracing him tightly or giving his bottom a squeeze when you checked on him in the lab, much to Tony’s chagrin, but little touches were a common staple of your relationship with your beloved.
This morning found you sinking into the cozy chair in your living room, finally allowing the fatigue to wash over you. After being at the hospital for nearly sixteen hours, you were weary beyond words and ready to shower and sleep for the rest of the day. Turning on some movie you’d watched a hundred times, your eyes had just started to drift closed when you heard the elevators to your floor opening. Cracking open one eyelid, you saw your husband, Bruce, stepping into view, looking like he had spent the entire night in the lab while you were working the nightshift.
“Hey babe,” you called out. Though your voice was soft, you being awake and in the common area at nearly eleven in the morning was enough to catch him off guard. “Hey sweetheart,” he started groggily, voice rough with the need for rest, rubbing his eyes, “what are you doing up?” Flashing him a sleepy smile you explain. “I stayed over to help with the next surgery. I didn’t get to leave until after ten, but what about you? You don’t look like you’ve slept since I left yesterday evening.” Bruce could easily pick up on the concern that wove its way through your words. When his eyes finally met yours, your heart turned over at the pure exhaustion written into every line on his handsome face.
Slipping a little further down in the chair, you propped your feet up on the ottoman and gestured for him to come lay on top of you. Moving slowly, he gently stretched himself out over you as your arms came to rest on his back. He wrapped his arms around your waist, thumbs teasing up under the hem of your shirt. He started tracing languid circles along your sides, giving you the comforting touch you always sought from him. You softly raked your fingers through his salt and pepper hair whispering soothing words as you felt him relax against you completely. You barely caught his whispered, “I love you” and returned the sentiment as your own eyes grew heavy. Both of you fell asleep in the others’ arms bathed in love and contentment.
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“I’m telling you I haven't heard back from either one of them all morning. We’ll just make sure they're alive and then leave them be,” Tony explained to Clint and Nat as they rode the elevator to your floor. Clint was quick to retort. “You sure they didn’t just see your name and ignore the call?” These words were quickly hushed by Nat as they stepped on the floor and caught the two of you all snuggled up and getting some well deserved respite.
Nat quickly and quietly crossed the rooms snapping a couple of pictures of the sleeping beauties , whispering “aren’t they just too much?” Her answer came in the form of Clint’s dramatic dry heaving, “It’s so sweet I’m gonna get a cavity… or diabetes. Ugh.” Tony was quick to usher them back to the elevator. He knew better than anyone how little Bruce slept, often staying up with him in the lab. He also knew how that affected your sleep. Constantly waiting up for Bruce and worrying over him. As he corralled the others, he gave JARVIS orders to lock down your floor until the two of you awoke. Casting one last glance over his shoulder, he smiled his little soft, signature smirk. “I’m happy for ya, buddy.”