Work Text:
Okay. Deep breaths. There they came: Tony Stark and the one newly enlisted “super human” you’d been dying to meet since you’d been given clearance to access his files. No screwing up. You didn’t care how socially awkward and shy you normally were; you were going to make a good first impression–now, as they passed your desk on their way to the elevator and the science lab.
“Doctor Banner?” Thankfully, your years with SHIELD had instilled you with enough confidence to raise your voice.
The man stopped right next to your desk, eyebrows furrowed.
Without waiting for further response, you thrust your hand out toward him. “I’m [F Name] [L Name].”
Doctor Banner took your hand, but still looked confused. Behind him, Tony stifled his chuckle with a coughing fit. Immediately, you remembered protocol and felt your cheeks begin to burn.
“I mean, Agent [Name]–I mean–”
“Yes,” Doctor Banner said as he released your hand and shoved his own into his pocket. “Nice to meet you.”
Ignoring Tony’s continued amusement at your expense, you continued, “I am such a huge, huge fan of your work.”
Awkward silence followed these words. Even Tony stopped grinning and Doctor Banner’s expression of bemusement became a little strained. The seconds ticked past as you waited for him to respond, then at last it dawned on you:
“I mean–your scientific work! Not your–Not the whole…not that other thing…”
But it was too late. Doctor Banner took a deep breath and turned to finish walking to the elevator. “Thanks, but I had better get going.”
“Oh, but–”
Tony cut you off by stepping into your path. “Sorry–Agent [L Name], was it?”
You paused, but nodded, noting he still looked more amused than anything. Some small comfort that was.
“We really should go,” he went on. “Fate of the world resting on our shoulders and all that. No big deal.”
“R-Right,” you stammered.
Tony nodded once, clapped you on your shoulder, and walked past.
Doctor Banner remained, still looking perturbed. “Bye.”
“Bye…”
He followed Tony without another look in your direction. You sunk back into your chair at the same rate your heart sunk into your stomach. As far as first impressions went, that one had completely sucked.