Work Text:
When searching for the word ‘introvert’ in a dictionary, a picture of a guy comes up beside the definition. That guy is none other than Bruce Banner.
Since the day he entered the world, Bruce has been awkward and painfully shy, struggling to do everything from ordering take out to making doctor’s appointments. So speaking up in class?
Out of the question.
It’s not like he wants to be this way and it’s not like he never tries to change. It’s simply hard. What doesn’t even require a second thought for most people is like performing brain surgery for Bruce. And Bruce is an English major. He’s not going anywhere near anyone’s brain anytime soon.
Suffice it to say, he often finds himself in uncomfortable situations because of his disposition. At first he thought perhaps he was being bullied but no, sometimes being so quiet and doing your best to not stand out makes you… not stand out.
However, not all is lost for Bruce has an advocate.
When he’s in class and the professor doesn’t pass out enough tests to his row and Bruce is nearly drowning in sweat as he attempts to speak up, his tiny cry for help doesn’t fall on deaf ears. Or, actually it does but the deaf ears in question wear stylish purple hearing aids.
It’s happened a few times now. Something has gone wrong or Bruce has wanted to add something to a class discussion but he just can’t seem to speak up loud enough to be noticed.
At least, not by everyone but by one person. One straw-haired, ocean-eyed, six foot tall boy - who always sits in the front row and has never otherwise spoken to Bruce - hears him. He hears Bruce and he brings the fact that Bruce is trying to speak to everyone’s attention.
It’s nothing complicated or overly impressive but it is enough to make Bruce smile and very few things have that effect on him.
Just last class, Bruce wanted to mention something in their discussion on H.G. Wells but the moment he spoke up, another student spoke much louder and the focus moved to him.
However, the advocate—Clint Barton, according to his class’ student list—waited patiently for the other person to finish their thought and then said, “I think Bruce was about to say something.”
The first time Clint did that, Bruce nearly fainted. He had become so used to never being in the spotlight even when he tried to be that he wasn’t prepared. At first he had been angry at Clint for drawing attention to him like that but it didn’t take long at all for it to become endearing.
And for Bruce to see it for what it is: an act of kindness.
It fills Bruce’s heart with such happiness to be seen even by one person that he sometimes finds himself sitting in class just smiling at Clint.
It is the last class before summer break and today Bruce finally plans to thank Clint for all the times he has advocated for him.
He gathers his things and waits for Clint to finish talking to another classmate. See, Clint is not introverted in the slightest. He is an extrovert through and through and he is liked by absolutely everyone. He is all smiles and laughter, always surrounded by people whenever Bruce sees him outside of class.
Bruce hugs his books more tightly to his chest, taking a deep breath as he moves forward just as the other classmate claps Clint on the back and leaves.
Bruce is suddenly in his space and he seems surprised but all he does is smile.
“Hey,” Clint says.
“Hi.”
Bruce doesn’t speak. It’s just two words. He knows realistically that the odds of him messing them up are slim but then again it’s him, so actually the odds are not in his favor.
“I, uh…. Thank you.”
“Yes,” Clint says immediately.
They both stare at each other and then Clint rubs the back of his neck shyly, looking away from Bruce.
“What?” Bruce finally asks.
Clint laughs nervously. “Well, see, I thought you were gonna ask me out so…”
“Why would I do that?”
“Ouch.”
“No, I didn’t mean it like that. Not—I just.” He slaps a hand to his face and drags it down, taking a moment to collect himself. “I wanted to thank you. That’s why I came over. Because you’re always speaking up for me. So, yeah… thanks because I find it hard to do it myself.”
Clint’s expression softens and he smiles. “You’re welcome. You always have such good thoughts and ideas. I’d hate to miss out on them.”
Bruce feels a blush color his cheeks red and he looks away. “Thanks. You too.” And then he looks up again when he realizes what big, giant thing he’s missing here. “Wait, did you say ‘yes’?”
Clint nods. “Uh-huh.”
“You like me?”
“Well, I don’t know you that well but I like the things you say in class and I think you’re cute.”
“Really?”
“Mm-hm.”
“Well… I think you’re cute too.”
“Sweet. So then would you want to try asking me out for real this time?” he asks, grinning. “Here, I’ll pretend like I don’t know it’s gonna happen. Hey, Bruce, what’s up?”
Bruce laughs. “I, um… I wanted to ask you out. For… ice cream at the place on Delaney Street?”
“Oh my goodness. I am in complete and utter shock. I never would have expected this,” he says, totally deadpan. “Yes, Bruce, I’d like that very much. Why don’t we swap numbers?”
Bruce nods and takes Clint’s phone, handing him his own. When he takes his phone back, he can’t help but stare at Clint’s name for a few seconds before looking up at him. He thought he might come out of this with a friend but a date is a completely unexpected turn of events.
“I’ll text you,” Bruce says.
Clint gathers his things and slings his backpack over one shoulder, winking at Bruce. “You better.”