A/N: This story is the fruit of the combined efforts of myself and my good friend miss ANimATioN ImAgInAtIoN. Hope you fellow readers and writers enjoy :D

(one more thing, she is the Banner expert here:)

The physicist circled the open space with his head bowed low, cool wind tossing through his loose curls. Nothing felt right anymore, borderline numb to the brisk chill in the air. He scoffed when contemplating an option, one that had to be what? His seventh attempt? He shook his head, too dizzy to think clearly. He placed one foot in front of the other, pacing along the open field in the late afternoon.

…

It only took a moment for the Sorcerer Supreme to find the location of his friend and part-time compatriot Bruce Banner. Stephen had been meaning to search him out for some time actually, yet had only now found the means and the time to do so. Now that the opportunity was within his grasp, he did not intend to lose it. Within moments a portal had been opened and Stephen stepped through into what looked to be a different world from that of the familiar New York skyline. He spotted Banner almost immediately, the dark-haired man pacing back and forth a ways off.

"Dr. Banner!" he hailed, calling the physicist to his attention.

Banner's eyes flicked upward, hearing his name being called from a few feet away. His hands remained in his pockets while he squinted to make use of his natural far-sighted vision. His heartbeat steadied after making sense of the figure, putting a name to the friendly face.

"Dr. Strange."

"Old habits die hard, don't they Banner?" Stephen asked softly, taking note of the physicist's pale complexion and famished features. "Tell me, what were you thinking just now?"

Yes, Stephen was being cryptic as always, but surely by now Banner had come to expect that. Though in truth Bruce didn't need to tell him his thoughts, for with the aid of the golden amulet that Stephen carried upon his person, he was able to see a person's innermost feelings. Thus, he knew of and was quite familiar with the physicist's suicidal tendencies, but he wanted to draw the words out of the man himself.

Bruce lowered his head, smirking nervously, not surprised over the instincts of his mysterious companion. His fingers traced lightly over the pistol within his pocket, clutching onto the cold metal while he tried sifting through his emotions. He shrugged before responding, almost bitter in his sarcasm, "You tell me, you're the sorcerer."

Stephen gave Bruce a look of scrutiny, gauging his next words. "Very well then. You are once again tired of your lot in life, and you are debating over pulling the trigger on that gun in your pocket. Which you and I both know won't work."

Stephen cast his gaze about his surroundings, taking in the sight of rolling hills and the glint of mountains peaking the horizon. He drew his overcoat closer against himself as a cool mountain breeze swept over the hillside. Banner seemed unfazed by the chill.

"And since you know that suicide is historically not the best option, I'm here to see what else you've got planned."

"So you're here for a show? Well exploding won't do me any good. Why don't you go pop up on someone else for a change and give them a taste of your fortune cookies. Someplace warmer... you look cold."

Bruce lifted his hand in an attempted gesture before letting it fall, his breath quickening as he glanced over his shoulder, "Never tried jumping in the river."

Stephen smirked, the sarcastic undercurrent to Banner's words not bothering him in the least.

"No, bringing forth the Hulk was not exactly my idea. And I'm not going anywhere Bruce. I'm not your enemy, you know that." Stephen glanced towards the river, his brow creasing in thought. "And, in point of fact, if you jump in there someone will inevitably pull you out."

He turned back to Banner, giving him a hard look. This conversation was growing stagnant, so Stephen would have to find a way to spur it into smoother waters. How to do so remained the question.

The physicist returned the stare, huffing out a laugh after a moment in thought. He knew he wasn't going to get very far with Strange on his tail. His attempt would have to wait.

Bruce shrugged, "Then, 'friend'. Is there anything I can do for you while you're currently on my side of the globe?"

Strange glared Bruce right in the eyes, his penetrating gaze cold as ice. "You can tell me of you adventures Banner," he said after a moment. He gestured for Bruce to join him as he made himself comfortable by sitting cross-legged on the cool grass of the sloping hill.

Bruce rolled his eyes almost sarcastically, pacing a bit more before settling beside him. He rested his elbows on his knees, arms extended in front of him.

"Sorry Stephen, it's been a long day and I don't want to discuss it. How've you been?"

Stephen shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, a smirk tugging on his features as he thought of how they must look right now, like two boys playing in the grass. He almost laughed, but knew that now was certainly not the moment for it.

"I've been busy, mostly. Doing my best to keep SHIELD off my back, they're persistent bastards I'll give you that." It was somewhat hard to keep the note of disdain from his voice. "Stark's been pestering me again," Stephen glanced at Bruce out of the corner of his eye, watching for a reaction. "I think he's lonely."

Bruce nodded in agreement over his comment about SHIELD, afraid to make a replying comment about the organization. Heaven forbid he was currently being watched.

The physicist huffed out a laugh, remaining cold and sarcastic, wanting to keep his emotions guarded in front of the sorcerer.

"Neither you nor Stark can comprehend the definition of lonely. Try dodging the government for 20 years while you circle the globe, that's lonely."

"All too true my friend," Stephen sighed in agreement, laying back into the grass with his hands propped behind his neck, completely at ease in this place. "I'm sure you've seen some amazing sights though," he murmured. "So, tell me, do you know where in the world we are right now?"

"Southern Wales, Europe. You sound like me, traveling to anywhere without looking at a map first. And you look comfortable."

Bruce bit at the edge of his fingernail, still agitated over his stirring emotions. His muscles stayed tense, watching his friend through his peripheral vision.

Stephen laughed. "I am. What's not to enjoy? It's a nice day out, the sun's shining... Why not sit back and relax, enjoy the view for once? It's not always going to be there for us. Unfortunately," he sighed.

The skin at the back of his neck prickled, a feeling of suspicious wariness washing over him. They were not alone.

Stephen jerked up into a sitting position, quickly casting a spell to reveal to him what it was that plagued this place. Several knee-high creatures, completely hairless with leathery bone-white skin, were scattered about on the grassy hillock, casting leery gazes at the two men. Stephen inwardly groaned. Normally these pests were beneath his notice, but from what he knew of the creatures they would have to be dealt with shortly. The lesser demons fed purely off of anger, of which Stephen's compatriot harbored rather a lot of. If they got their talons into Banner things here would not be ending well.

Stephen stood up, his red cloak whisking about him. "I think it would be conducive in this moment if we left the vicinity, my friend. We are not in benign company."

Unfortunately, Banner did not have the second sight as Stephen did, and was therefore blissfully blind to the creatures nearing him.

Bruce lifted his eyebrows suspiciously, finding slight amusement in the way Stephen just stood up like that and carried himself.

"I don't know whether to laugh at you or question you but you look dead serious. Aghh!"

Bruce jumped over an unidentified prodding in his lower back. His gaze narrowed, well aware of Stephen's gifts and abilities, mistakenly blaming him for the discomfort. "Alright what's the joke?"

"Dammit," Stephen grumbled, sending a blast of electric energy at the demon that had touched Bruce. The animal skittered back, hissing and baring its fangs at the barrage. Otherwise it was not fazed.

"Banner you need to move!"

Attracted to the excitement, more and more creatures were appearing, faster than Stephen could fend them off. Dimly he could sense Banner's growing agitation and he prayed that he'd be able to exterminate this rabble before having to deal with the impending hulk-out.

Bruce did as he was told, more agitated over the constant pricking around his body, his head throbbing consistently as his pupil's dilated. He moved in the opposite direction from his latest attack, coming from his invisible antagonists.

"Move where?! What are you electrocuting?!"

Bruce took a deep breath through his pounding heartbeat, trying in vain to calculate the location of his latest attack to sway him away. His voice deepened to an inhuman growl out of an overwhelming amount of disgust and frustration.

"Stephen... I'm going to lose it... Run."

Too late. Stephen was losing time, and fast. Out of desperation Stephen ripped out his amulet, the Eye of Agomotto, and recalled the ancient words to mind.

"Banner! Banner, can you hear me? I need you to close. Your. Eyes." Whether or not the man had heard Stephen was incapable of deducing at this time. The next moment the words had been uttered and bright blinding light burst forth from the amulet. Tendrils shot out, consuming the demonic creatures that littered the area. They were all gone up in a puff of smoke in only two seconds. Stephen closed the amulet and the blinding light dispersed. The power he'd used though left Stephen temporarily drained. He staggered back, gaze searching fervently for Banner, or what was left of him.

Banner had heeded the sorcerer's warning, despite being lost in his own agony amidst a transformation. Hulk's eyes flicked towards Strange, the orbs bright green to match his tainted skin. His large muscles tensed over his massive stature. The Hulk's head ached, flooded with adrenaline and incapable of making sense of anything. He growled, bitter over his failed attempt at ending his own life and angry over everything he'd been through. The green giant charged towards his nearest victim, the only one he could see as being the cause of his pain regardless of the truth.

"Shield of the Seraphim!" Stephen cried, a luminescent blue force field forming around him as he spoke the words. The Hulk charged straight into it, the force of his attack causing Stephen's shield to waver. The sorcerer gritted his teeth, unsure of how long he could stay in this position. Not for as long as the rage monster held sway over Banner's psyche, that was for certain.

An idea came to him, and just as soon as it did Stephen executed it. The air swallowed him up, leaving no traces of the sorcerer or the blue shield that had been there only moments before.

Stephen reappeared several yards away, to the right of the Hulk.

"You want me, come and get me!" he challenged.

The green giant accepted his dare, roars echoing through the fields as he charged forward. His fists thrashed around in search of the disappearing and reappearing sorcerer. The Hulk's temper flared over his apparent failure to reach him, his emerald eyes dark and narrow.

"Ungh, you know, this is actually sort of fun for me," Stephen said conversationally, voice grinding the syllables under the mental stress he was put under. He was standing with feet apart, hands raised in front of him with a spell of resistance holding the raging monster back. Sweat trickled down his brow. The effort was nearly killing him.

Stephen had disposed of the shield, opting for more conventional uses of magic, such as distracting the Hulk by means of will-o'-the-wisps. He even had the beast wrestle with a tree all for the sake of exhausting the Hulk and hopefully rendering him back to his human form.

In another time, another reality, Stephen's hands would have been broken, crushed between those oversized green fists. But not this time. Those other realities held no sway over the happenings of today. It was fortunate that it was just the two of them there, no other place of civilization nearby for the Hulk to go and wreak his havoc upon. As long as Stephen's energy held out, he could keep the monster at bay.

Hulk roared and carried on in his tantrum as he exhausted himself chasing after Stephens's distractions. He panted, eyeing his victim from a distance, too tired to chase him. He stomped his foot, growling discontentedly.

"Hulk angry!"

At this point, Stephen himself was too exhausted to even muster a laugh. "I'm sure you are. Care to tell me why it is you're so angry?"

The rage monster roared in reply, his fists balling up in rage. Green muscles bunched up, the skin stretched taut over his enormous frame, as the Hulk bore down on Stephen.

"I guess not."

The giant screamed in agitation over Stephen's comments. His muscular hand wrapped tightly around the man's leg, thrashing the friend of his alter ego into the ground out of pure frustration.

The blow took Stephen by surprise, the sorcerer not taking into account how fast the Hulk could move despite his sheer size and weight. He landed a few feet away, sprawled flat on his back, the impact knocking the breath from his lungs. Stephen lay there, blinking back the blackness that threatened to consume him, and took slow shallow breaths to clear his mind.

He propped himself on his elbow in an attempt to pull himself up, but an agonizing twinge in his right shoulderblade brought him back to the ground. This wasn't good at all.

Hardly able to move his right arm, Stephen had to settle for his lesser hand to deflect the Hulk and keep the monster at bay.

"Come on Banner," he growled, the pain in his shoulder radiating outwards causing him to grit his teeth.

Perhaps he could use a spell to force the Hulk back into Banner's psyche? The idea seemed plausible, but far too dangerous for the physicist's shattered mind. To do so would cause greater harm than good at this point.

The Hulk was bearing down on him. Stephen could hardly move and was therefore vulnerable to the impending attack. With the loss of his right arm's abilities he'd have to think fast or else this encounter might spell the end for the sorcerer.

Stephen jerked himself up, leaning on his right arm, the action causing a yelp of pain to rip through him. He then raised his left hand and sent a spell of Calming over the approaching Hulk. The enchantment swirled about the beast's head, invisible to his eyes though it was evident that the beast was already feeling the effects of the spell. The creature's steps began to slow.

Hulk's eyes closed over Stephen's maneuver, dizzy in his attempt to charge after the sorcerer. His green orbs cracked open, heartbeat slowing in his calm state as if he could begin to make sense of his surroundings. Hulk tilted his head, childlike and innocent when he saw Strange, the only visible individual to blame for his explosion.

"Man hurt puny Bruce. Make hulk mad!"

Stephen paused in his ceaseless spell-casting, taking a moment to catch his breath. "No Hulk," he said softly, still urging calmness into his friend. "It wasn't me that hurt you. There were other things, creatures you could not see, that were harming Banner. Forgive me, I suppose I should have been a little more clear about that. The danger has passed now, why don't you take a rest?"

Stephen cringed slightly, hoping that his words would not offend the rage monster further. This fight had left him spent and he could not go on for much longer without a cease-fire.

Hulk thought over his words, keeping eye contact to ensure the man's honesty. From his minimal recollection Stephen seemed to be a friend rather than a foe. The green giant exhaled a deep breath, looking around for any more lurking danger before resting on his fists to stay balanced.

The Hulk appeared to be calmer now, though Stephen erred more on the side of caution and kept the allure of Calm about the creature. Sighing heavily, Stephen collapsed back to the ground, his right arm unable to support him further. He cocked his head towards the green giant, a lazy smirk crossing his features.

"See? I'm your friend. No hard feelings right?"

The giant grunted with approval with his eyes transfixed on his companion. His sharp focus narrowed over Stephen's collapsing, still mulling over what had recently transpired.

"Friend tired?"

The hulk blushed shamefully, head lowering when he thought about what he had done to Dr. Strange. Guilt spread over his features, avoiding eye contact when he mumbled, "Hulk sorry."

Stephen grunted noncommittally. "You're forgiven. Say, would it be too much trouble if I could speak with Banner again? I'd very much like to."

He felt a slight pang of guilt asking the Hulk that, knowing that all too often the beast was locked within Banner's mind and wasn't often granted the freedom that he needed. There weren't too many people out there who dared tolerate the Hulk. Yet the sorcerer could faintly detect the sound of helicopters nearing, and if he wasn't mistaken that was probably SHIELD on its way. A fresh wave of urgency washed over him. Was there any way the Hulk could transform faster? He needed Banner and quick.

"Puny Bruce?" Hulk asked of him, sounding somewhat incredulous.

The Hulk lowered his eyebrows for a moment in contemplation, taking deep calming breaths as his muscles started to shrink. Slowly Banner's natural tan gradually replaced the green tints as the man returned to his sore frame.

"Oh thank you," Stephen murmured in relief as he observed the battered physicist return to his more human form. Summoning his strength he propped himself on his elbow, then staggered to his feet, swaying slightly. He cast his gaze to the skyline where he could see the black dots of approaching helicopters.

"Welcome back Banner," Stephen said calmly, striding over to the kneeling form of his friend. Banner's gaze flicked upwards, the brown orbs narrowed in a slight squint. "Have fun? I hate to rush you, but we've got company. SHIELD I think. It's your choice what you do." Stephen took a breath, a light breeze tossing through his dark hair.

Stephen held out his hand towards the mulling doctor. "Do you trust me?"

"What?"

"Do you trust me?"

The dark-haired physicist nodded and took his hand, visibly worn out from his latest run. Bruce cringed, unsure of what Dr. Strange had in mind.

"Yes."

"Excellent." Without a further moment's hesitation Stephen hauled Banner to his feet and drew him close, the next second the air swallowed them up as the two men disappeared from sight.

"And here is my home." Stephen released his hold on Bruce, the ache in his shoulder spasming from his rapid careless movements. The man gingerly rolled his shoulder, testing out the kinks. He couldn't move it very far without intense pain searing through his arm and upper back muscles. Damn, must be dislocated.

Banner's eyes took in the immaculate living space as he stumbled into the room. He looked tentatively back at the sorcerer, his gaze narrowing once he noticed the man's uncharacteristical shoulder movement. Bruce laid a gentle hand on Stephen's forearm to stop him from walking off.

"Hold on Stephen what's wrong with your shoulder? Are you okay?" He asked softly like the gentle doctor he was.

Stephen weighed his words carefully, not wanting to alarm the man further. Especially knowing that Bruce tended not to remember the things that transpired when the Hulk was on a rampage. However, he also knew there was no use in lying to the doctor, so he kept his answer short and simple.

"I may have dislocated my shoulder." If he could push it back into place then things would be just fine and dandy for him, he thought dryly. "Sit, make yourself comfortable doctor." Stephen gestured about the room, indicating that his home could be Banner's as well if he so chose.

"Thank you, you're very kind."

Bruce nodded gratefully for the doctor even offering, taking a seat across from another chair. The physicist contorted his mouth, trying to wrap his mind around his current location and recall vague memories from before the hulk-out. His eyes drifted back towards Stephen's shoulder. He nodded towards it, trying to remember if his friend had struggled with it when he first showed up.

"Have a seat Strange, do you want me to look at that shoulder for you while I'm here?"

It was no use. Stephen would not be getting far with his arm in the state that it was. He gave Bruce an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, I know I just told you to sit down but... yes. If you could just give my arm a yank in the right direction, when I tell you to, then it'll shift back into place." Stephen approached the doctor, grateful to have his assistance. "And, don't hesitate even if you think I'm in pain," Stephen said warningly. This was going to hurt like hell but it'd be best to get it through with as soon as possible.

The doctor nodded and got up to meet him without a second thought. His careful fingers and palm trailed over the shoulder, pulling firmly to readjust it.

"It'll be quick, just breathe." Banner instructed, himself a little nervous over possibly hurting the man further.

Bruce could feel the muscles of the generally composed man spasming slightly over his maneuver. Banner grimaced apologetically, an inch away from repositioning Stephen's arm.

"Sorry, almost there."

Stephen gritted his teeth, his muscles jerking in an unpleasant way as his arm was repositioned. He breathed slowly, in and out, willing himself not to react to the pain. Just a little more... There! The man exhaled in relief, quickly moving back out of Banner's reach to stretch out the arm. It was still sore and was more than likely bruised in places, but other than that it was much better now.

"Thank you," he nodded his head cordially at the physicist, then frowned when he finally took in the state of his guest. "If you'll give me just a moment, I can get you some clothes." Stephen was almost out the door when he turned back and said with a smirk, "That is, unless you like going around half-dressed."

He quickly disappeared before Banner could voice his reply.

Bruce shook his head, smirking slightly out of embarrassment, his eyes lowered as he held the waistband of his pants against his torso. He must've looked a wreck, his brown curls in disarray and cheeks flushed, the man craving sleep while he tried to recollect a few memories.

His gaze lit up once Stephen returned, eager to cover himself with attire fit for a human being.

"Thanks."

"No problem." Stephen tossed the clothes to Banner, who deftly caught them in the air. He stepped out of the room to grant the man his privacy, and then once the all clear was given Stephen returned.

He took a seat in one of the armchairs, planting his elbows on his knees with his hands clasped in front of him.

"So, tell me, what's the next step Dr. Banner?" he asked cryptically.

Bruce ran his fingers through his hair and tugged lightly on his soft curls before rubbing the back of his neck.

"Any idea what SHIELD was after?"

Stephen rubbed at his jaw thoughtfully, gaze fixed at a point beyond Banner himself. "My guess is they were after you. Once the Hulk emerged it certainly gave them a general beacon of your location, if not a clear reference point. Unless of course they were after me, or both of us, for obscure reasons that perhaps you and I are better off not knowing." Stephen smirked to himself, thinking of the trick he'd pulled on the agency. "They'll be having a lot of fun tonight looking for a man that's not there," he said with a chuckle.

Strange never ceased to amaze the physicist. Bruce shook his head over Stephen's cryptic nature, wringing at his fingers nervously the more he thought about his latest hulk-out.

"Did I hurt anybody?"

"Hmm... Nope." Was all the reply Stephen was going to give on the matter. "No one around to hurt. Well, you tore up a tree pretty badly, but that was partially my doing."

Stephen leaned back into his seat, tapping his fingers distractedly on the armrest. "I found the whole ordeal to be rather fun, if you'll excuse my bluntness. We should make it a regular thing," the sorcerer suggested with a grin.

"Oh... no. You sound like Stark. I don't trust 'him'. The other guy."

Bruce shifted his focus around the room, eager to change the subject.

"Thanks for your hospitality. I don't want to overstay my welcome," the doctor said quietly, his gaze lowered apologetically.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Stephen responded calmly. "Would you like to see your room? It comes free of charge, complete with furniture and running facilities." Stephen hoped his dry humor would draw the man out of his shell and maybe lighten him up a bit.

Bruce thought over that offer, then nodded slightly. "That's very kind of you Stephen, thank you."

He followed Stephen out of the room, his eyes roving about the hallway and taking in the immaculate living space.

Stephen made sure that the tour was kept to a minimum, aware of his friend's exhaustion and wishing to grant him the peace and privacy of a room of his own. He stopped before a quaint oak door, which was slightly ajar, revealing the interior of the room.

"This can be your room, and you're welcome to stay as long as you like Bruce," Stephen said, gesturing inside. He cocked his head towards the shorter man, giving him a scrutinizing look. There were several questions the sorcerer would have liked to ask Banner, but he figured they'd have to wait until later.

Bruce took a step inside, keeping his hands jammed in his pockets while he looked around almost afraid to touch anything.

"It's a nice place Stephen. And thank you again for the offer. I don't want to intrude though…" Bruce's fingertips brushed over one another within his pocket, reacting out of habit. Despite what came out of his mouth, he knew he'd appreciate staying with a friend for a night or two just to clear his thoughts.

Stephen nodded in acknowledgment.

"Take yourself a rest Banner. I know you need it. When you're up and you've had some food I'd like to discuss a few things with you," he said in departure. Then he made his leave of Banner.

The dark-haired physicist glanced towards the sorcerer as he exited, breathing a sigh of relief. He was in a safe place, comfortable knowing that Stephen seemed to have everything under control. Banner fell backwards onto the mattress, his forearms held over his eyes. His body shut down soon after, despite his initial idea to just close his eyes for ten minutes or less.

Over two hours later he stirred slightly, forcing his aching frame to sit up and his eyes to reopen, taking in his surroundings again.

…

While his guest was sleeping Stephen retired to his own chambers to have a look at that shoulder wound. Once within the sanctuary of his room Stephen stripped off his shirt, having minor trouble maneuvering his right arm, and then he peered over his shoulder at the black and blue markings riddling his back and shoulderblade. Wincing at the sight, Stephen found he was somewhat shocked that it looked worse than it felt. He reached up and placed a hand over the bruised area, then applied a spell of Freezing over the sore and aching muscles. After the initial shock of cold, alleviating numbness took its place. His shoulders slumped as Stephen exhaled in relief.

He spent the remainder of his time attending to other matters of import, which included informing Wong of their guest's arrival. By the end of two hours Stephen was beginning to have a healthy concern for Banner's welfare, considering how much time the man had spent unconscious.

…

Dr. Banner stood up slowly, peering through the open door to search for his companion. His hand rested over his cheek, slightly intimidated when his eyes shifted up towards the high ceiling.

A man of Asian descent, wearing a green tunic with matching pants, appeared from the other end of the hallway.

"Good evening Dr. Banner," the man said smoothly, giving a slight bow. "My name is Wong. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to the kitchen and we can get you something to eat. Forgive me, but I am unfamiliar with your preferences," Wong said, bowing his head in self-deprecation.

Bruce looked at the man kindly. "Hello. Um… no preference. I appreciate it but you don't have to. Is Dr. Strange preoccupied?"

Wong smiled at the polite nature of the tentative scientist. "No, but he made it clear that you should eat. Perhaps something could be brought to you in the study? Stephen is there if you wish to see him now."

Bruce ran a hand through his loose curls and nodded in response to Wong's suggestion. The physicist was hardly aware of his hunger pangs, more interested in getting back to his host.

"If he's not busy."

Wong simply nodded his head, then turned on his heel to lead the doctor through the various hallways. It wasn't long before the servant paused in front of the imposing double doors of the study. Wong stepped inside, clearing his throat to get Stephen's attention.

Stephen himself was standing before the fireplace, his back to them, a look of consternation etched over his angled features. Upon the entrance of the two men he looked up, a brief smile flashing across his face before he turned and strode over to greet them.

"Glad to see you're awake doctor," he said warmly.

Bruce grinned gratefully, his hands once more tucked into the pockets of his borrowed clothes.

"Sorry I overslept, I didn't mean to be away that long. I appreciate all of your kind hospitality. Quite a place you've got here, though I'm not exactly sure what I mean when I say 'here'. Where are we exactly?"

Stephen beckoned Bruce over to a couple chairs, taking a seat himself. He gave Wong some instructions then directed his attention back to Banner sitting across from him. "Currently we are located in New York City, and this house we are in is known as the Sanctum Sanctorum by a few, myself included." Stephen spread his hands slightly to encapsulate the length of the room. "This place is hidden from unwelcome eyes Banner. That's why I brought you here, for a place of rest and respite."

Bruce bowed his head, a dark lock of hair falling into place over his eyes as he wrung his hands out of habit. "Good to know," he said lightly, a scoffing tone to his voice.

Stephen cocked a dark brow. "Still nervous?" He'd have thought Banner would be more relaxed by now.

Bruce released a sigh. "It's nothing personal Stephen." He clasped his hands together, elbows resting on his knees. "Been up to anything interesting lately aside from randomly popping up on people?"

The sorcerer couldn't help smirking at those words.

"Well, it's funny you should ask that Banner. You see, I had a rather interesting idea…" Stephen paused, his gaze lingering on Banner's. "I'd like to start a team of my own. Something similar to the Avengers, but on a smaller scale. I was hoping you'd be interested in joining. Bruce, you'd be a valuable asset. Not just with the strength of the Hulk, but your scientific intellect would help immensely. No strings attached, I promise," His grey eyes searched the gaze of his withdrawn companion. "What do you say?"

Bruce froze in discomfort at Strange's proposition, his jaw clenching and his tongue rolling over his inner cheek.

"I suppose I should thank you for the offer… Stephen I'm not- Look you're my friend, and I have no problem helping you in any way I can… And I speak for the 'other guy' on that. But I really don't think it's safe."

Stephen kept his features even, though inwardly he felt the tide of disappointment rising up. "Can I ask you a question, if it's not too personal? … Why did you leave the Avengers in the first place?"

The team had been his home, they were like family to him. Stephen didn't understand why someone who'd been hunted all his life would want to leave all that. He wanted to get to the root of the matter before he stumbled over the same mistakes others had already made. A part of him feared that he'd already done so.

Banner waited for him to finish before lowering his gaze, his fist clenching slightly. "Some people use their talents and gifts for good, but mine is a curse. It's a curse I can't control. I'd end up causing more trouble than anything else."

He stood up, breathing altering slightly as his pitch got more strained. "I don't belong here or anywhere else… care to tell me how I can get out of this magic box?"

"Bruce, please! I don't understand, I just want to help…" Stephen faltered, for once at a loss for words. "You're my friend, and I try to do what I can for my friends even when they don't want it. I'm sorry that what I said offended you," he said fervently, certain now that his friend was about to walk out the door.

Bruce exhaled a heavy sigh, his eyes softening slightly. He gnawed at his cheek for a moment while his mind ran away from him, vivid snippets of recent memories slowly making their way back to him. He frowned.

"Stephen I want an honest answer, is the Hulk responsible for your injury?"

Stephen flinched, the query completely taking him by surprise. He wanted an honest answer did he? Stephen did not think the honest answer of it was what Banner needed right now, but who was he to deny him the truth? Fair enough, Stephen surmised within himself, exhaling a soft sigh.

"…Yes."

Bruce lifted an eyebrow, eager to prove his point to his friend. "And it could have been worse," he said, scoffing.

The physicist sighed and shook his head, his loose curls dislodging from their slicked back position. Bruce hesitated before reestablishing guilty eye contact with the man across from him. "I'm sorry. Does it hurt badly?"

Subconsciously Stephen rolled his shoulder a bit, the attention making him more acutely aware of the discomfort he felt.

"No," he replied rigidly. His pain was his and his alone, why trouble Banner with it anyways? What did it matter to him? Stephen felt something akin to indignation rise up over Bruce's question. It would be better if the man let sleeping dogs lie.

Bruce contorted his mouth over Stephen's response. He raised his eyebrows and nodded, lifting his hands in way of surrender.

"Alright, it's alright just relax," he said in calming tones. He took a deep breath and tried to settle back down. Hulk always got pissed when Stephen was around. Why? Bruce couldn't fathom it.

"Are we at an impasse?" Stephen asked dryly, hoping that the doctor had ceased in his wild ideas of running off.

Bruce nodded in agreement with Stephen's comment, settling back down in his seat. He took deep breaths in effort to calm his heart from the initial adrenaline rush.

"Yeah, I guess."

At that moment Wong returned, carrying with him two bowls of a delicious smelling stew, which he handed to the two men and then departed without another word. Awkward silence ensued. Stephen cupped the warm bowl of stew in his hands, a frown flitting across his features as the soup elicited painful memories of another time, another place. Deciding he wasn't really hungry, Stephen set the dish aside and glanced back at Banner.

"Have some, you look famished," he suggested kindly.

The physicist nodded politely and took a spoonful of the vegetables, pushing aside the meat. He remembered that he hadn't eaten for several days only after taking his first bite.

"Thanks, I appreciate it, I am a little hungry," Bruce said sheepishly, eyeing his friend. He was curious as to why he seemed to avoid Wong's meal.

After Bruce had eaten some, Stephen broached his next question. "Well, now that things have calmed down somewhat, how long would you like to stay? Surely more than a few days."

Banner sighed, feeling guilty for being there as long as he had been already. But Bruce couldn't deny he could use a break for once, and the kind sorcerer seemed to have him in a safe location.

"Could I stay for a week? You've been so hospitable, I just don't want to be a burden though."

Stephen shook his head, grinning in amusement. "As I said before doctor, that simply isn't possible. Know you nothing of friendship?" The question was asked lightly, in no way accusatory.

Bruce huffed out a laugh, "You're persuasive. And aside from my experiences with Mr. Stark I can't say that I do."

There was a breath of silence. Stephen clasped his hands in front of him, then looked back up at his friend. "Then it's settled." Stephen smirked and cocked a dark brow. "Welcome to the House of Strange."