Okay so this is my first attempt at a Science Boyfriends fic and I have no idea if it's any good so I'm just publishing the prologue for now to see if you guys like it. If you think it has potential, please just R&R and I might continue with the first chapter soon.

Prologue

„Bruce, why didn't you tell me? This is amazing. Heck, this might actually work. You found the key!"

Bruce let out one of his typical snorts. He didn't need words to convey his emotions, not with Tony who seemed to be able to read him like an open book. Softly shaking his head, the scientist opened a second file and put it on the screen in front of his friend with a slide of his finger.

"It's not the key, Tony. I agree, it would be possible to reduce some of the troubles I have, but the consequences wouldn't be all that pretty. Besides, it would be unethical. I can't do this. I'll have to find another way." Bruce avoided Tony's eyes. He could feel his gaze piercing through him, obviously looking for answers to the countless questions he must have, but not finding any. Pointing at the screen, the physicist tried to bring his friend's attention back to the file.

"Well Big Guy, seems like our definitions of unethical are a tad bit different. As far as I see, this is the closest to a cure you've ever come. I mean, this protein really would stop the muscle growth. Basically that would mean you'd just go green and a little smash-happy but you'd no longer be dangerous, right? Isn't this what you wanted? Isn't this what you hoped for when you asked me for the funds for your research?"

Bruce sighed. When had looking directly into Tony's eyes become so painful? He avoided his friends gaze, and instead took of his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. It was so hard talking about all this. It had actually taken him months to find the courage to ask Stark for the funds and equipment to do his research but his friend just completely ignored his effort and brushed it off as if giving him millions was nothing. Bruce had never been one to find it easy to put his thoughts and emotions to words. Even a proper thank you was difficult to handle when you were overwhelmed with gratitude and fairly sure you deserved none of this generosity. He and Tony were so alike at times, and then again profoundly different. Two sides of the same coin, as the inventor so eloquently put it once.

"The protein can only be produced inside of a living, breathing human, as you very well know. And in order for it to work with my very specific condition we can't use just any human either. Do I really have to spell this out for you, Tony? We both know exactly what this means so please, tell me again how this is not unethical and pretty much impossible." The physicist wasn't annoyed. Tony Stark had yet to find a way to really tick him off, but his friend did know how to push his buttons, he had to grant him that. He just wondered how far his friend would go this time.

"So what's wrong with that? You basically just need a genetically engineered clone of your sweet ass and you got your cure. It's pretty simple, really. Besides, you always wanted kids, you told me that yourself. You'd be a good dad too, I know that. You'd just have to test this formula a little more, find a surrogate mother for your cure-producing clone-baby and live the rest of your life without any incidents and doing science with me. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?"

"Sure, me being the single parent of my own genetically altered clone-baby is a brilliant idea. Really Tony, you're a genius but you're doing a great job hiding that at the moment."

Okay, ouch, that hurt. Bruce felt awful as soon as the words left his mouth but they were out now and he couldn't take them back. To his great surprise though, Tony just grinned and put an arm around his shoulders, pulling him closer. The physicist was glad for having a mind that could somehow simultaneously think about complicated equations and formulas, the next thing to say to his friend and marvel at how strangely pleasant it felt to be so close to his best friend. He was pretty sure that Tony Stark's presence alone was enough to shut off the brains of most other people. At least that's what he'd expect given the inventor's natural charm and charisma.

"You know, Brucy-boy, you're pretty darn cute when you're all out of your comfort zone. There's no need for all the snark and your rather pathetic attempt to trash talk though, I'm with you on this, okay? No matter what you decide to do with that genius brain of yours, I'll help you."

Bruce was at a loss of words. He really wanted to hug this magnificent, wonderful bastard next to him. He didn't have the slightest idea how he deserved a friend like Tony Stark, but instead of telling him this, he just smiled his little half-smile, stared awkwardly at the screen in front of him and played with his glasses to somehow keep his fingers busy.

Thanks for reading, guys. In case it isn't clear, this is going to be a kid fic because for once, I want Bruce to get what he wants…even though it's not easy.