"Bruce! Wait up!"
Bruce was tired, angry and sore. He had no desire to deal with his loud mouth, and prideful boyfriend. Sure he loved Tony but, sometimes he wished things would go back to how they were before he and Tony met. Back then he would be able to walk down the hallway without anyone noticing him. But, now that he was dating the most popular kid in school everyone wanted something from him.
"Bruce, come on. Talk to me."
"Just leave me alone, Tony."
Bruce knew that he was being cold, and harsh to someone that didn't deserve it. But, he was still angry and hurt from the beating his father gave him the night before. He just hoped Tony wouldn't notice the new bruises blooming on his jaw and neck.
"No, Bruce." Tony snapped, grabbing his boyfriends arm trying to get him stop or at least slow down. But, Bruce was far stronger than Tony and seemed to barely notice the pressure on his bicep. "Fine. Don't talk to me. That'll help everything." Tony hollered at the retreating form of his boyfriend.
"Hey Tony." Tony looked over to see Clint and Natasha.
"Oh, hey guys."
"What's up with Bruce?" Natasha asked.
Natasha wasn't one to show emotion. She seemed to only show concern towards Clint, but she and Bruce had become close over the past year. They had a lot in common, and she felt a bit of protection towards Bruce.
"I don't know." Tony sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Probably has something to do with his piece of shit dad."
"Tony, why don't you get him out of there?" Clint asked.
"I've tried. I really have, but he won't leave because of his mom."
Tony understood why Bruce turned down all his offers for him to move in with him, he really did. But, it was getting ridiculous how much the abuse had increased. Tony was about to go to Bruce's house and take Bruce and his mom back to live with him and his dad.
"Shit. I forgot about his mom. That sweetheart of a woman shouldn't have to go through that shit. She's an angel." Clint said sadly.
Both Tony and Natasha responded with hums of agreement. Tony was still watching Bruce has he rummaged in his locker.
"Yeah, well I got to go. I'll see you guys at lunch." Tony said, heading to his first class of the day. Thank god it was Literature. He could sit in the back and sleep.
When Bruce made it to Physics, he found Thor and flopped down next to him. Thor was the jock of their friends. He was tall, tanned, and had long blonde hair. That's how he got the nickname Thor, like the Norse God. His real name actually being Donald Blake.
"Hey, Banner. Ready to count how many time Dr. Slevig can say 'umm' in the next forty-five minutes." Thor grinned.
Bruce laughed. "I thought you liked, Dr. Selvig?"
"I do. He's like a second father to me. But, that doesn't mean that he doesn't say 'umm' and ungodly amount of times."
"True." Bruce nodded.
Class had started; Bruce was sitting quietly staring off into space. He knew the material Selvig was going over already. So, he couldn't help it when his mind wandered to Tony. He felt bad about how he had treated his boyfriend earlier, but he had no desire to answer any of Tony's questions and then be berated about it all. Bruce internally sighed.
"….cloud around the nucleus?"
He glanced over to see Thor making tick marks on his paper. It looked like he was up to thirty and it had only been fifteen minutes.
"Mr. Banner?" Slevig asked.
"Uh yeah?" Bruce snapped out of his haze.
"What has high energy photons that are emitted by radioactive nuclei? And, is very high-energy ionizing radiation. That originates in the nucleus, while X-rays originate in the electron cloud around the nucleus?"
"Oh, umm that would be gamma radiation sir." Bruce answered.
"Very good," Selvig stated, before moving on with the lecture.
Lunch had started ten minutes ago and Bruce was nowhere to be found. It honestly pissed Tony off a bit. He understood that Bruce may not want to talk about what's going on at home but he doesn't need to give him the cold shoulder, and avoid him all day.
"Where's Bruce?" Tony asked impatiently.
"Haven't seen him yet today." Steve answered from across the table.
"He was in physics, so he should be here." Thor shrugged, shoving his hamburger in his mouth, eating half of it in one bite.
"I just don't know why he's been avoiding me all day." Tony grumbled, pushing his mac-n-cheese around with his fork.
"There he is." Natasha announced, pointing to the cafeteria door.
Everyone looked to see Bruce walking into the cafeteria smiling and laughing with Thor's adopted brother Jake Olson aka Loki. They were making their way over to the group; everyone looked away before they were noticed.
"Hey babe." Bruce smiled, sitting down next to Tony, Loki on his other side.
"Hey." Tony mumbled.
"Oh, come on. I'm sorry about earlier. I was just in a bad mood."
"Oh is that what you call it?" Tony rolled his eyes, still only pushing his food around his plate.
Bruce's only response was narrowing his eyes at his boyfriend before turning to Clint. "You still coming over tonight?"
"Uhhh." Clint stammered looking between Bruce and Tony. "If that's umm, okay."
"Of, course." Bruce said, taking a bite of his sandwich. "Why wouldn't it be?"
"Well, uhh, I just umm, I don't want to get you in trouble. That's all."
Bruce just stared at Clint for a minute trying to figure out what he was missing. When he finally figured out that Clint was concerned about his dad, he just rolled his eyes.
"It's fine. He left on a business trip his morning." Bruce said, watching Clint visibly relax. "Actually, you guys can all come over if you want. My mom is making lasagna, and I'm sure she'd love to see you guys."
"Rebecca Banner's lasagna. Oh, I am so there." Thor grinned. Everyone else hummed agreements around the table. It didn't go noticed by Bruce that Tony didn't say anything.
"Tony." Bruce said, in a voice low enough only his boyfriend could hear. Tony didn't respond. "Look, baby I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been that way to you, and I know that. Please forgive me; I'll make it up to you later tonight." He nudged Tony with his shoulder, gaining a small smile. Tony couldn't stay mad at Bruce.
"Alright but, only because you're so damn cute." Tony said, then turning and giving Bruce a soft, sweet kiss.
"Oh god!" Clint whined, covering his eyes with his arms. "Guys, please, I'm eating."
"Tasha, hit him for me please." Tony nodded.
"Gladly." Natasha smiled, before punching Clint in the arm.
"Ow! Babe, seriously?"
"It's sad when your girlfriend causes you more pain than you can her, Barton." Loki quipped.
"Shut it, Loki." Clint snapped, throwing a fry at Loki hitting him perfectly on the forehead. "Awh, never miss."
"Shot gun!" Thor hollered, running over to Tony's Audi.
"Ah-ah, Thor. You know Bruce has permanent shot gun." Tony yelled after the big guy, walking hand in hand with Bruce to his car. Thor 'Awwwhhed' in response, which made Bruce chuckle. "I'll put down the top if that makes you feel better."
"Yessss!" Steve joyfully hissed, running past Bruce and Tony.
Both Thor and Steve refused to get into the car until the top was down so they could hop in over the door.
"You two are such children." Bruce laughed, as Tony started the engine and pulled out of the space.
"Loki wasn't expecting to get a ride from us was he?" Tony hollered over the wind at Thor.
"No, he's with Tasha and Clint!" Thor hollered back. He almost didn't need to yell, he was already so loud that Bruce winced at the booming voice in his ear. Tony saw Bruce's reaction out of the corner of his eye and laughed, reaching over to intertwine their fingers.
"Oh, turn this up. This is my jam." Steve hollered.
"I might be too strung out on compliments, overdosed on confidence. Started not to give a fuck, and stop fearing the consequence." Steve sang along with Drake.
"Really, Rogers?" Tony yelled.
"Oh come on, Tony. This song is totally you. Just listen to it." Steve laughed back. "Cause one of us goes in, then we all go through it. Drizzy got the money, so Drizzy gone pay it. Those my brothers I ain't even gotta say it, that's just something they know"
"It is pretty fitting." Bruce laughed.
"Hush!" Tony grinned.
"Hey mom!" Bruce hollered walking through the door, gesturing for his friends to be quiet as they came inside.
"Bruce! Sweetheart! How was your day?" Rebecca sweet voice rang out from the kitchen.
"Good, I brought you a surprise."
"And, what's that dear?"
"I don't know. You have to come into the living room and find out." Bruce grinned. All his friends were piled into their small living room waiting anxiously for Rebecca to in. It had been a long time since any of them had been over to Bruce's house. His father made sure of that.
"Oh, Bruce." Rebecca huffed, looking down at her hands at she wiped them off on her apron, when she entered the room. When she looked up and saw all the kids gathered in her living room, her face immediately lit up. "Oh my goodness!" She squealed, running over and kissing and hugging every single person.
"Tony, my baby boy. I've missed you." Rebecca wailed, hugging him close.
"Missed you too mama." Tony said sadly. He had really missed Mrs. Banner. She was the closest thing he had to mom since his passed a year ago. His eyes welled up with tears at the thought of his mom.
When Rebecca pulled back to look him in the eye, she gasped at the sight of tears. "Oh Tony, baby…" She cooed, wiping the escaping tears with her thumbs. Tony reached up and grasped her wrists, leaning his forehand on to hers.
"I love you." Tony whispered to Rebecca.
"Oh sweetheart." She sobbed, wrapping him in her arms again. "I love you too."
Everyone was silent, feeling the sorrow fill the room. Once Tony pull himself together, everyone made their way to the kitchen besides Bruce who pulled Tony quickly down the hall into his room. After shutting the door, Bruce swooped Tony into a sweet kiss, before pulling back and running his hands through his hair.
"You okay?" Bruce whispered, searching his boyfriend's eyes.
"I am now." Tony smiled, pulling Bruce into another kiss. This one was more fevered, and strong
"We better get back." Bruce smiled and said against Tony's lips.
"Nnnn, but I want you." Tony whined. Bruce chuckled, before giving Tony a quick kiss, and pulled him back down the hall.
"There you are!" Rebecca smiled brightly. "We're all ready to eat if you are."
"Starving." Tony said, sauntering into the dining room, leaving Bruce with his mother.
Bruce smirked as he watched Tony make his way to the table. His boyfriend truly had the best ass at Midtown High School.
"Bruce?" Rebecca asked, trying to get her sons attention. "Sweetie, can I ask you something without you getting upset?"
"Sure, mom. What's up?"
"Well, you and Tony. Are you two…? You know dating?"
Bruce was shocked by his mother's question. He knew she'd figure it out eventually but, he and Tony had really tried to keep it secret around their families, as long as possible. He didn't know how to answer the question. He didn't know how Tony would feel if he told his mother. He also knew if he didn't answer soon, she would notice and make an assumption, and mostly likely the right assumption. He but he didn't want to lie to his mom, so he decided that it wouldn't hurt if she knew.
"Umm." Bruce swallowed. "Does that bother you?" he asked, shuffling from foot to foot, examining his shoes.
What happened next was nothing he expected in a million years. His mother squealed loudly, so loud that his friends in the next room looked up in confusion
"Oh, sorry." Rebecca giggled, and then continued in a lower voice. "Baby, that doesn't bother me at all. Tony's an amazing boy, I'm so happy for you."
"But, it doesn't bother you that I'm…." Bruce trailed off, embarrassed.
"Oh, Bruce. Please. I don't care about that. As long as you're happy."
Thor and Steve were lying on the floor on the stomachs; Clint, Natasha, and Loki were sprawled out on the sofa, while Bruce and Tony cuddled on the love seat. Which left Rebecca with the over plush recliner.
"So, what are we watching kids?" She asked, walking about to each group, handing them their bowls of popcorn.
"The Dark Knight." Clint said through a mouth full of popcorn.
"Ugh." Natasha grimaced.
"And, what is the Dark Knight about?" Rebecca asked.
"It's Batman." Tony stated.
"Awh, well. You six do seem like the superhero type."
They were about half way through the movie, when the front door slammed open loudly. Causing everyone to jump, Bruce quickly pushed Tony off of him and got to his feet.
"What the hell is this?" Brian spat. Alcohol becoming an overwhelming aroma throughout the room.
"Uhh, d-dad. These are my friends. Y-you remember T-Tony, and Clint." Bruce stammered, whole body shaking.
"Yeah, but what the fuck are they doing in my house!"
"Brian, honey I'm sorry. Don't be angry with Bruce, or the others. It was my idea to have them over." Rebecca tried to sooth her husband's anger, knowing full well that it wouldn't work. She just hoped she could the keep his violence and anger focused on her and not the children.
Bruce's head snapped to look at his mother; he didn't understand why she willing took the blame for everything. He knew she only wanted to protect him and his friends but, this time it wasn't even remotely her fault and he was not going to let her take the blame.
"No, mom. You had nothing to do with this, it was my idea. If you want to get mad at anyone, get mad at me." Bruce said with more confidence than he felt.
"Oh, is that so." Brian smiled a wicked grin, sauntering over to stand right up in his sons face. "Well, maybe you should get your friends out of here so we can have a talk about your punishment."
Fear and dread gripped at Tony's heart. He was shaking from anger, and hatred, his vision blurring white hot. He was so overwhelmed by emotions and senses; he didn't notice himself reaching out to Bruce, gripping his arm tight.
Bruce felt the squeeze to his arm, but it felt a million miles away. His whole body was numb; it was all he could do to stand his ground and glare into his father's eyes. There was another squeeze on his bicep, making him slowly turn his head to see his boyfriend shaking with fear.
"Guys." Bruce announced over his shoulder, as he turned his head back to his father. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
There's was no movement; everyone was frozen where they sat. Chilled to bone, the look on Brian Banners face had hit them all with pure astonishment. How could any father wear a face filled with such hatred for his own son.
"Guys." Bruce said again more pleadingly this time. Everyone then quickly got up and made an effort not to bump into Brian as they left, giving Rebecca polite parting words before slipping out the door. The only one who didn't leave was Tony, still staring wide-eyed up at Bruce. "Tony, I need you to go. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Tony, sweetheart come on. You're everyone's ride." Rebecca whispered, pulling him gently to his feet, and taking him out the door.
Rebecca shut the door behind her. No one had left the front porch. "I'm sorry you had to see that." Rebecca's lip trembled.
There was a scuffle from inside, glass breaking, and muffled screams. This sent Rebecca over the edge, into an ugly sob. Tony rushed for the door, but was stopped by Natasha.
"Tony, no. You can't. You'll just get him in more trouble, and get yourself hurt."
"Tasha, I can't just stand here and not do anything!"
"He would be so mad at you if you went storming in there, and got yourself hurt."
"I'll go." Rebecca said, pulling herself out of Clint's arms, wiping away her tears.
"No, Mrs. Banner. You can't." Loki said, putting a hand on her arm.
"I have to." Rebecca said patting the hand are her arm. "That's my son in there. I have to protect him. This is my responsibility. I promise he will be fine, you'll see him tomorrow. Go home and take care of yourselves."
Before anyone could protest, she opened the door and slipped in. The noise from the inside of the house growing clearer with the door ajar. "You ungrateful litt-" Is all they heard before the door was closed again.
"I knew it was bad, but I didn't realize it was that bad." Clint coughed, taking a dragging from his joint.
"I gotta get him outta there." Tony sighed, staring at the sand below their feet.
The group of friends came to the park often, to talk and let off some steam, when they needed.
"He'll be alright, Tony." Natasha said, trying to reassure her friend. "He's strong, he'll make it through this."
"We should do something tomorrow to get his mind off of it." Steve said, waving away the offered joint.
"There's a basketball game tomorrow night." Thor shrugged, taking a big swig on his beer.
"Ugh. I totally forgot, Pepper asked me to make a speech at the pep rally." Tony groaned.
"Ya know, for her being your ex, you sure do a lot for her. That bother you Steve?" Clint said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Nah." Steve said, hoping off the jungle gym they were occupying. "Tony and Pepper were close before they dated. Besides, I trust both of them, and Tony loves Bruce. That's pretty obvious. I don't mind."
"Thanks, man." Tony said shyly. Steve nodded in response.
"So? Basketball game tomorrow?" Loki asked.
It wasn't until the entire school piled into the gym for the pep rally, that anyone saw Bruce. Everyone except Thor made their way up where he sat, with his hood up and ear buds in. No one said anything as they sat down, just giving each other concerned looks.
"I would like to introduce todays pep rally speaker. Tony Stark!" Peppers voice rang out through the speakers. Everyone started cheering.
Tony groaned, and pulled himself up off the bleachers, down to the gym floor. Fist bumping Thor on the way by.
Taking the microphone from Pepper Tony started to speak, putting on his charming, arrogant Tony Stark persona. "What's up, Midtown?" He hollered, gaining screams and cheers.
"Now, I don't know what to say really. Five hours to the biggest battle of our season all comes down to today. Either we heal as a team or we are going to crumble. Inch by inch, play by play, till we're finished. We are in hell right now. Believe me and we can stay here and get the shit kicked out of us." Tony stopped looking straight up at Bruce, and then continued.
"Or, we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell. One inch, at a time. Now I can't do it for you. I mean, I've made every wrong choice a guy can make. I uh... I chased off anyone who has ever loved me. And lately, I can't even stand the face I see in the mirror. You know in life things get taken from you. That's, that's part of life. But, you only learn that when you start losing stuff. You find out that life is just a game of inches. So is basketball. Because, in either game life or basketball the margin for error is so small. I mean, one half step too late or too early you don't quite make it. One half second too slow or too fast and you don't quite catch it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They are in ever break of the game every minute, every second. On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone around us to pieces for that inch. We CLAW with our finger nails for that inch, because we know when we add up all those inches that's going to make the fucking difference. Between WINNING and LOSING, between LIVING and DYING. I'll tell you this, in any fight it is the guy who is willing to die, who is going to win that inch. And I know, if I am going to have any life anymore it is because, I am still willing to fight, and die for that inch because that is what LIVING is. The six inches in front of your face. Now I can't make you do it. You gotta look at the guy next to you. Look into his eyes. Now I think you are going to see a guy who will go that inch with you. You are going to see a guy who will sacrifice himself for you, because he knows when it comes down to it, you are gonna do the same thing for him. So, either we heal now, as a team. Or, we will die as individuals."