Work Text:
Peace. To many of the people in your life, it’s a foreign concept. But to you, it’s one of the few things you strive for at all times. Many assume that’s because you’re dating Bruce Banner, and that’s definitely a part of it. But you’ve always enjoyed your peaceful life. It’s actually what initially attracted you to Bruce; the way you radiated safety, care, and peace.
Working at Stark Industries in any capacity has a penchant for chaos, but you’ve made your home in the biochem mostly away from the hurricane that is Tony Stark, who is a force to be reckoned with on a good day. You usually work alone or with a couple of lab techs, but you’re currently doing research with Bruce which means spending most mornings together working on your research until he’s called elsewhere to lend his expertise. This morning, you’re studying a sample and humming along to the song in your head. Ever since December 1st hit, the elevator and most other public places have been playing nothing but Christmas music, and it’s starting to get annoying. Despite how much you’re already over the festive music, you can’t help but hum along when it gets stuck in your head. Today the jolly selection is ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and the tune is soft and sweet. Perfect for humming.
As you’re writing a note, you notice something in the sample you hadn’t seen earlier. Prepared to ask Bruce to take a look, you turn in your chair, still looking at the sample for a moment before bringing your gaze to Bruce. You find him already looking at you with a smile. “What?” you ask, a little surprised to see him looking at you. Shaking his head, Bruce just responds, “Nothing, love. What were you going to say?”
-
Several hours later, you’re enjoying a quiet night on the couch with a book when Bruce comes home early. Bookmarking your page and putting the paperback on the coffee table, you say, “Hey baby, finish up already?” You begin to stand up from your seat until Bruce gives you a tired smile and lays next to you, his head in your lap. Immediately, you tangle your fingers in his hair playing with the strands until he sighs contently. You stay in this position for a while, listening to the sounds of the city far below you. After a while, Bruce relaxes completely and starts dozing off. Smiling softly at your favorite genius, you begin singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” softly. The notes roll off your tongue, as you brush through his hair gently.
You don’t move until almost midnight. Only then do you wake Bruce. “Come on, B. Let’s go to bed,” you say, running your fingers over his cheekbone. Slowly, he stirs and sits up. You take the opportunity to stand and hold your hand out to him. When he entwines his fingers with yours, you bend over to blow out a candle and lead him to the bedroom. Together, you climb into bed, and he wraps his arms around your waist tightly. Returning the embrace, you hold him to you and press a kiss to his temple. You lay in silence for a while until Bruce whispers, “Sing to me?”
You meet his gaze, surprised. He’s half asleep and smiling. You nod once and begin running your fingers through his hair like you did on the couch, as you begin humming the tune. Softly, you start singing “White Christmas.” The lyrics linger in the air as you watch his eyes slip closed. As his breathing evens out, you sing the final lines
“May your days be merry and bright. May all your christmases be white.”
The notes fade as a smile pulls your lips up and you close your eyes, falling asleep in the arms of your peace.