"Just get in the car will you?" Tony reaches out to grab Bruce a second time, but curls his fingers back mid-air realizing his mistake in time.
"Just let me take you somewhere at least. I know you're used to it but I'd be an awfully shitty friend to just let you leave in the middle of nowhere." His voice is softer now, and though Tony tries to regain eye contact Bruce glares at the ground working his jaw, thinking. Without saying a word he stomps past Tony and gets back into the passenger seat. Tony follows him casually, trying to assess whether or not he's won the fight. They drive on in silence for a couple of miles before Bruce opens his mouth.
"You're not my friend you know."
"And why is that? We hit it off so well…." Tony says, testing his hypothesis.
"You know damn well why, Stark. I fly off the handle and level towns. It's not like being a mean drunk, it's like being a force. A- A-"
"A nerve?" Stark smirks.
"Maybe we can start to stitch you up then?" Tony's logic is circular and he knows it, but Tony thinks he might make some headway if he just keeps pushing. Bruce slides his glasses off and pinches the bridge of his nose.
"Listen you stuck up prick! Regardless of logistics, I'm not going to befriend you! I know you seem to think you can fix me, but let's remember my latest foray into green uninvited. I nearly crushed Miss Romanov with my giant meaty fist! It doesn't take much!" Bruce hisses just above a whisper. In spite of himself the hair on the back of Tony's neck stands up and he finds that for once he has absolutely nothing to say. They come upon a bus stop fifteen excruciating minutes later and Bruce quietly asks to be let out. Tony tries to recover the situation and smiles as he tells Bruce that he knows where to find him, and he's always welcome to come visit if he feels so inclined. Bruce leans against the doorframe into the open window, grips Stark's hand firmly in his, and looks him right in the eyes, much to Tony's surprise.
"Thank you Tony, for everything." He says and the smile that curves his lips is genuine if wistful. Tony wasn't expecting this.
"You're welcome Bruce. Keep in touch." Tony says and drives off wondering when he'll see the good doctor again. Bruce stands alone, and bows his head when he thinks Tony can no longer see him.
