Bruce Banner sat on the examination table of a small, family-oriented clinic, not very far from Avengers Tower. Despite being technically a doctor, he'd always hated being in a hospital setting, maybe it was the smell, all he knew was that it made the Other Guy antsy. It felt weird being on this side of the table, he being the one who was being examined. His doctor, a kind-looking elderly man, had already examined him and now he was awaiting the results of his tests.

To be honest, he really wasn't expecting much but Tony had insisted that he go see a doctor that wasn't himself. The billionaire had noticed how Bruce's already skinny frame had gotten slighter and how he was constantly tired and would end up, more often then not, asleep in the lab on top of whatever he'd been working on.

Bruce hadn't noticed that he'd dozed off until he felt a hand on his knee and he jerked awake, to the the concerned eyes of his doctor. The doctor that looked oddly solemn and sad, a clipboard clasped under his right arm. He cleared his throat and Bruce leaned forwards for what he was about to say.

"According to your test results, Dr. Banner, I'm going to suggest you see an oncologist at the hospital off 46th street."

The doctor whispered softly, but Bruce heard the words loud and clear. Yet only one word stuck with him, it pushed itself to the front of his mind and was the only thing he could focus on.

"O-Oncology? But that's cancer."

He stammered and the doctor looked away and nodded, turning to organize his tools on the counter, Bruce's vision seemed to tunnel as the doctor's words sunk in. Cancer? He had cancer? Out of all the things he expected to kill him, cancer wasn't high up on the list. In fact, it wasn't on the list at all.

"What kind?"

Bruce found himself asking, voice monotone and lacking inflection. The doctor looked at him with something akin to pity in his eyes and spoke softly to him again, like he was made of glass and might shatter at the slightest touch.

"I have a suspicion that you have Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, also known as the adult form of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia."

The doctor whispered, gently and Bruce nodded robotically, taking the Manilla envelope that the doctor gave to him.

"Here, these are your lab reports. I'll have the nurse in the waiting room book you an appointment with an oncologist at the hospital tomorrow."

The doctor helped him off the table and personally walked him out of the examination room and towards the nurse at the front. Soon he had a sheet with his appointment time on it and was ushered out the door. The doctor gave him a lingering look of concern and looked around the parking lot.

"Do you have someone who can pick you up?"

He asked, worried and Bruce gave him a small smile as he drew the Stark Phone Tony had given him, out of his pocket. The doctor smiled in security and turned around to walk back inside. As Bruce reflexively dialed Tony and held the phone to his ear. It buzzed for a few moments before Tony's voice warbled over the line.

"Yo Brucie! What's my science bro up too? Did the big bad doctor give you a shot?"

Tony's voice laughed and Bruce gave a small smile at Tony's joy. He cleared his throat a few times before speaking but his voice still came out hoarse and strained.

"Can you come pick me up?"

He rasped, then winced at how serious and worrisome his voice sounded. He didn't want to worry Tony for no reason...was Cancer a good enough reason? Decidedly not, Bruce thought as he heard a worried voice coming over Tony's end.

"Yeah sure, I'm on my way. Are you okay, Bruce?"

Tony asked, all humor and laughter gone from his voice. 'Tell him! Tell him! It's the perfect time!' Bruce thought, but he quickly stamped that out. There's was no reason to worry Tony.

"Yeah, I'm fine" No you're not."I just didn't feel like walking home." Liar.

Bruce said, forcing cheeriness into his voice, chanting over and over in his head. 'Don't worry Tony, Don't worry Tony, Don't worry Tony...' And when the billionaire's relieved sounding voice came over the line, Bruce sighed in relief.

"Yeah, no prob. I'm pulling in now."

Tony said and both of them hung up as Bruce watched his best friend pull his black Mercedes into the parking lot, Bruce hurried over to the car, opened the door and slid in. Tony smiled at him, and Bruce smiled back seemly happy.

"So what did the doc say?"

Tony asked, once Bruce was settled and they were driving away. Bruce gave the worried genius a reassuring smile as he spoke.

"Oh, nothing," Cancer isn't nothing."I just need to eat and sleep more. I have a follow up tomorrow though." with an oncologist.

Bruce assured him and Tony grinned, leaning over and ruffling Bruce's messy locks.

"That's cool, I'll take you, its great that you're okay Brucie. What would I do without my science bro?!"

Tony cheered happily as they pulled into the newly christened Avengers Tower. Where they and their dysfunctional family of super heroes lived.

"You wouldn't be able to tie your shoes without me, Tony." But you might have to learn.

Bruce sighed as he got out of the car and walked inside, Tony beside him. Only one question was on his mind, 'How could he hide Cancer?'