This Is Stella's Reality

August 16, 2015

Thor's arm snaked up Bruce's back and held him to his side. They smiled at me before turning to the rest of the group. "My friends," Thor said in his booming voice, "I have an announcement to make that."

Bucky walked over to me and handed me a glass of wine. His eyes watched mine. Are they finally going to admit they're together? He asked.

I smiled and shrugged. I hoped so. My thoughts filled with their anxieties. Excitement marred with fear. I watched their eyes meet, and they relaxed a bit.

"Bruce and I have been together for quite some time now," Thor said softly. He squeezed Bruce's hand before clearing his throat. "I know it may be shocking to hear, but I love him. More than anything in the world. So I hope you all can accept that."

The room was silent for a moment as we exchanged glances. Nat's jaw was clenched as she struggled to hold back a fit of laughter. My lips twitched when I saw Loki's eyes roll. Bucky broke first, breathing a laugh and pinching his eyes shut which caused the rest of us to roar with laughter.

Thor and Bruce's eyes popped wide with shock. Embarrassed smiles tugged their faces as they looked around the room sheepishly. "Why are we laughing?" Bruce asked.

"We knew already, morons," Loki groaned. "Three of us can read minds, and you really thought we didn't know?"

"Fuck reading minds," Natasha screamed with laughter. Tears filled her eyes as she struggled to catch her breath. "I literally walked in on you two making out in the kitchen!"

Steve sucked his teeth and cleared his throat. "Yeah, it really wasn't a secret. Regardless, we don't care. You two seem great together, and we're all glad you've felt comfortable enough to tell us."

Bruce's face blossomed bright pink. He clung to Thor's side and smiled shyly. "Thanks, guys," he mumbled.

Something changed in Thor's thoughts. Quick as lightning striking. It shot up my spine, and my eyes flew to Loki in confusion. He felt it too. He eyed my face in questioning.

My heart skipped a beat as I looked back at Thor and Bruce. They were smiling still, and Thor took a deep breath. "I'm glad you all approve, because I have something else to say."

He turned to Bruce, holding his hands and looking into his eyes. "I love you," he said softly as he knelt to the ground.

My hand flew over my mouth, and sharp gasps filled the air. I watched as Bruce's eyes widened. He trembled, and tears lined his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Bruce Banner," Thor said, "will you do me the honor of becoming my husband? Will you marry me?"

We waited silently, listening to the gentle sobs that shook from Bruce's chest. Thor was smiling patiently. Bright and beaming.

"Yes," Bruce breathed, "of course." He collapsed into Thor's waiting arms as we cheered and shoved wine glasses into their hands. They kissed deeply, holding each other and mumbling their love for one another.

"Cheers," Sam prompted, "to the happy couple. Maybe one day the rest of us can find someone so worthwhile."

Bucky scoffed and wrapped his arms around my and Steve's waists. "Good luck, bird brain."

With a roll of his eyes, Steve freed himself from Bucky's grip and walked over to Thor and Bruce. "Seriously," he said, clapping them each on the shoulder, "we're so happy for the both of you. And I know it's not a fancy post-engagement dinner, but we planned to make grilled cheeses with tomato soup."

"It's absolutely fine," Thor reassured. "I quite enjoy cheese that has been grilled. I apologize for crashing the party with such an event, but I simply could not wait any longer."