Title: After the War
Characters/Pairings: Bruce Banner / Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Nick Fury, Steve Rogers, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, Thor and others.
Summary: In the aftermath of the attack on New York, Tony finds himself with an unexpected house guest.
Warnings: MxM pairing, angst, violence, swearing, smut.
Rating: 15 / T
Chapter 12
Ever since the close call at the hospital Bruce hadn't left the mansion, the only fresh air he took came with a slow stroll around the gardens in the early hours of the morning whilst the rest of his housemates were asleep; Steve, Clint and Natasha seemed to have taken up permanent residence in Stark mansion with the odd addition of Thor when he came to visit. Bruce avoided them at all costs, confining himself to his bedroom where no one dared disturb him. He slept all day and was up most of the night. Eating, washing – even changing his clothes suddenly seemed to have become nothing but chores. Right now he was sporting rather long shaggy hair and stubble which was almost a full beard but he didn't care – what did his appearance matter? It wasn't like he was going anywhere anytime soon.
With Bruce's new nocturnal routine he barley caught a glimpse of his fellow Avengers and Pepper Potts who was at the mansion on more or less a daily basis now – what exactly she was doing there he wasn't sure because Tony was still in hospital.
Tony ….
Weeks had passed since he'd last seen him, since he'd last spoken to him, since … well Bruce didn't to dwell on what else had happened. At first Tony bombarded him with text messages which Bruce ignored; eventually he switched his mobile phone off all together because the messages which grew in frequency and desperation only upset him. Bruce's phone had been lying in the top drawer of his bedside table turned off and forgotten for over a week now.
Bruce heard the others whispering about him, wondering what to do, sometimes these whispers came from right outside his bedroom door but no-one ever knocked – scared of unleashing "The Other Guy" he assumed. It was their job to keep him at bay after all, they were his prison guards and no longer his teammates as he once considered them.
Steve was the person he saw and spoke to most but even this was rare; the Super Soldier would sometimes come down in the night and hover uneasily in the kitchen as Bruce ate or in the garden watching him stroll – he never initiated conversation, but Bruce would take the opportunity sometimes to ask after Tony.
'He wants to see you.'
'He's asking to see you again, what do I tell him?'
'He's very upset, he said you haven't answered any of his calls or texts.'
'What happened between you two? You were always so desperate to see him, what has changed?'
This was where the conversation would always lead, and this was how it would end because Bruce wouldn't reply, he'd simply return to his bedroom without another word. He wished he could open up to Steve but he just couldn't, there was only ever one man he could truly be himself with and he'd almost killed that man. Steve's growing closeness to Pepper also worried him, how much was Steve telling her? And how much was Pepper influencing Steve? He knew she wanted him out of the mansion, locked up even … would she try and convince Steve of that?
For the thousandth time that day Tony slid his mobile phone out from under his pillow and glanced at it, sighing sadly when he found no message from Bruce. His phone was littered with missed calls and texts from Pepper as well as other "friends" and business associates all un-opened because Tony was simply too tired for them right now; if they really cared that much they'd visit him. Pepper, Happy and Steve and occasionally Fury, Natasha and Clint were his sole visitors. The visits were usually short because Tony would grow frustrated with them and feign tiredness in order to get them to leave. Pepper usually resisted his attempts and stayed regardless – she could always see right through his lies. As much as Tony was pleased to have her at his bedside again he wished she would drop the subject of Bruce; most of her visits would wind up with her trying to convince him to eject Bruce from his mansion and would often result in an argument and one of them storming out.
Yes Tony was now capable of storming out, his leg was healing nicely and with the aid of crutches he could get around quite ably. Tony took as much advantage of the good spring weather as he could and often circled the hospital grounds, begging cigarettes from visitors or even other patients – a few recognised him and Tony would end up finding himself swapping autographs, war stories or pictures for cigarettes but he didn't mind so much because he got what he wanted in the end.
One morning Tony was leaning against the cold brick wall of the hospital smoking away when a car drew up. Tony knew instantly knew it was Steve and hoped to see Bruce with him; Tony quickly tossed the half-finished cigarette on the floor and crushed it with his slipper, he smoothed down his hospital gown and ran his fingers through his hair. Tony's heart beat quickened when he saw Steve walk around to the passenger side and open the door: "Bruce, Bruce, Bruce …." was the only thought that ran through Tony's head but his heart sank when he saw the red head step out – Pepper.
Tony sighed heavily, he was pleased to have visitors of course but he was disappointed that Bruce was still avoiding him. Tony's hand delved into the pocket of his dressing gown and he glanced quickly at his phone once more – still nothing from him. He looked up again and frowned slightly when he saw Steve and Pepper embracing in the car park – obviously they hadn't spotted him.
Tony's eyes ran over them and he felt a surge of jealously pump through him – since when had the two of them become so close he wondered watching as Steve took of his leather jacket and draped it over Pepper's shoulders before coaxing her toward the hospital. That hug had not been one of friends he realised … it was one of lovers.
Tony took up his crutches which were leaning against the wall and quickly made his way back inside and to his room, his mind buzzing with the thought of the two of them together.
'Mr Stark you've been gone far longer than the half an hour I gave you.' Tony's nurse scolded as he entered the room. 'And you've been smoking again, don't try and deny it I can smell it on you.' she cut across him before Tony had a chance to defend himself.
Tony sank down on the bed and glanced at the tray of food the nurse had brought in for him. 'My favourite?' he asked glancing up at the nurse. 'What have you got in store for me today?' he asked suspiciously.
The nurse's expression brightened. 'I thought your last meal should be a good one.' she said with a broad grin. Tony's eyes darted over hers, hoping that what she said meant what he thought it did – his last meal? That must mean he was getting out of here? 'That's right.' the nurse nodded. 'The doctor will see you later and if he's happy then he'll discharge you later this afternoon ... I'd advise you not to smoke for the rest of the day.' she added crossly.
Tony couldn't help but laugh with joy. 'Thank you!' he cried actual tears coming to his eyes; he simply couldn't wait to be home again after weeks and weeks of being away. There was no way Bruce could avoid him now he thought, a satisfied smile crossing his lips as he eagerly tucked into his breakfast.
'I'll call your wife when it's time to collect you.'
Tony shook his head. 'She's not my wife, just an ex.' he told the nurse.
'Oh I see.' The nurse replied a little embarrassed. 'Well she clearly cares a great deal about you so perhaps there is a chance for you two again.'
Tony shrugged his shoulders, he thought so too at first but these days it seemed as if Pepper's only agenda was to get rid of Bruce. And anyway, from what he'd seen that morning she appeared to have only eyes for Steve. Anger coursed through his veins at this thought, not that it was Steve because he was a great guy and he'd be far better for Pepper than he ever could, but it was the fact he was an Avenger too. The whole reason his and Pepper's relationship had fallen apart was because of Iron Man, because of the Avengers, because of the danger and the risk they brought.
Before Tony had a chance to contemplate this anymore Steve and Pepper entered the room; Steve shook his hand warmly and commented that he was looking well and Pepper kissed him on the cheek and commented on the fact he'd been smoking. Tony said nothing as he continued to eat his breakfast; his eyes drifted over the two of them – Steve and Pepper – Steve and Pepper - but try as he might he couldn't understand it.
Bruce glanced out of his bedroom window and saw Steve's car pull into the driveway; he and Pepper had returned from the hospital … and he couldn't help but want to run down and ask how Tony was but he held back, deciding to catch Steve later that night when Pepper and her disapproving looks were not around.
Bruce watched Pepper and Steve talking in the courtyard below his bedroom window; he wondered if they knew just how much he'd seen over the past few weeks – all the stolen kisses they'd shared. He knew it was none of his business and that was why he hadn't brought it up with Steve or mentioned it to anyone else but he wondered how long they were planning to keep their flourishing relationship a secret – he hated the thought of Tony finding out the wrong way, he'd be very hurt if he did because despite the fact he and Pepper had been apart for almost a year now Tony still cared for her … he still hadn't come to terms with their break up just yet so to see that she had moved on would be hard for him.
Later that day Bruce was surprised to hear a sharp knock at his bedroom door; he sat up in bed and stared at it – no one had knocked on his door in weeks, so why now?
'Bruce?' Steve's voice came through the door. 'I've called a meeting, I want everyone together, it's important you need to be there. Five minutes, living room okay?'
Bruce didn't reply and waited until he'd heard Steve's footsteps heading back down the corridor until he climbed out of bed; he pulled on an old t-shirt and jogging bottoms before pushing his feet into his slippers. Bruce headed down the stairs and through to the living room to find Clint, Natasha, Thor, Steve and annoyingly Pepper all sitting in the living room – aside from Steve who was standing in front of the fireplace ready to speak to them.
Bruce hovered in the doorway and just looked at Steve, trying to ignore the feeling of everyone's eyes on him. 'So what is it?' he asked wanting to get this over with. What could be so important? The Avengers had taken on many missions in the last few weeks – without him and Tony of course and never once had Bruce been requested to attend any meetings.
Steve smiled warmly. 'I am pleased to tell you that Tony is being discharged this afternoon, he's coming home.'
'That is brilliant news!' Thor boomed getting up and clapping Steve on the shoulder. 'I will wait his arrival, I cannot wait to see my friend again.'
Steve smiled. 'Pepper and I will be picking him up in about an hour, I hope you'll all be here when we get back to greet him. I'm sure he'll be very happy to see you all.' he added his eyes flicking across the room to rest on Bruce's.
Bruce sank against the doorframe, his heart beating in his chest so hard he could barely breathe – Tony was coming home, Tony was coming home! Panic suddenly filled him and he bolted, heading back to his bedroom despite Steve calling after him.
