Hi, Sorry my shortest chapter yet. But don't despair. I have a plan. Again. ;) Enjoy.

He didn't know how much of what he was saying was actually getting through to Bruce. But he had to try. He knew that Bruce would never forgive himself if he destroyed Paris. Or killed him.

He didn't notice Erikson leaving the room. Taking the guards with him, muttering about trying again next time.

BruceBruceBruceBruceBruceBru ceBruce

Bruce could feel the hulk pulling at him. Pounding in his head, fighting to be released. Bruce had tried to keep calm. And to his own surprise it had worked for a long time too. He had stayed himself when a gun had been pulled on Tony. He had remained calm under the threats. He had stayed calm when Tony told him to release the hulk and free himself. And he had managed to stay calm when they beat up his best friend.

He thought he might even have remained calm this time, if they hadn't taken him by surprise. The gun shot was unexpected. Not that it should have been. Bruce just wasn't prepared. Now it felt like he was being pulled in all directions. The hulk wanted out, but they were still near a city and Bruce wasn't going to give up without a fight.

He didn't even know if Tony was still alive. Every nerve in his body was on fire. His mind was fighting against the fists of the hulk, pounding in his head. He couldn't let go.

The scientist nearly released the hulk, when a hand landed on his shoulder. Who was the idiot, so desperate to lose an arm? Somewhere in his mind he knew there was only one person crazy enough. Tony.

While he hated the risk it posed, the risk for Tony at least, the hand kept him grounded. He focused on the hand. He could not afford to lose control now. Not when it would cost him the first real friend he had. In his head he started begging to the hulk. Not now please. We'll kill Tony. Please.

When a small measure of control returned Bruce opened his eyes to see Tony mere inches from his face. He could see the billionaire's lips moving. He tried to focus of Tony's voice. 'Stronger than him. You're the one in control.'

Bruce let out a shaky breath. Only Tony. Only Tony would come closer instead of running away.

'Well I guess I'm not as smart as I thought.' Tony replied, making Bruce realize that he had said that out loud. 'Come on Bruce deep breaths.'

Bruce grabbed Tony's arm. He took a deep breath and exhaled. He shuddered again and his grip tightened. Tony showed no sign off the pain he was feeling. Bruce was strong, especially when he was so close to losing control to the hulk.

Tony took Bruce second's hand and placed it on his own chest. He had lost the any doubt he had about Bruce's control. The hulk would not come out. Not now anyway. 'Follow my breathing. In… Out.' He repeated that process.

Bruce was uncertain about the hulk, but he had given up on arguing with Tony. He followed the instructions and felt his heart rate slowing. He was going to be fine. For the moment. He looked Tony over. 'You seem to be in one piece.' He told the billionaire.

'I'm fine. Though my ear is still ringing.'

Bruce looked from Tony to the wall, quickly deducing what had happened. A sly grin appeared on his face. Tony looked at him surprised. That wasn't a look he saw often on Bruce Banner's face.

'What?' He asked, slightly nervous about the answer.

'Enjoy the anti-interrogation lesson from the black widow.' Bruce replied rather smug. He outright laughed at Tony's groan.

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Again, Clint woke up with a groan. He was less disorientated than when he last woke up. He immediately checked his watch again. There was still time but he was shocked he hadn't heard anything from Erikson yet. First things first. He peeled away the towel. The bleeding had stopped, but he would have to bandage the wound to prevent infection. He quickly pulled a clean gauze from the first aid kid and wrapped his side. It wasn't pretty but it would have to do for now.

He pulled his phone from his pocket. Three missed calls. Clint swallowed the bile rising in his throat. He had thought he had time. He quickly called back, praying to whoever was listening that he hadn't condemned his friends to death by not answering. Erikson wasn't going to care about him being unconscious. That was his own fault.

The phone rang twice before someone picked up.

'Hello?' The voice on the other side was hesitant. It took Clint a moment to realize it wasn't Erikson.

'Bruce?' The archer thought he recognized the voice.

'Clint? We have been trying to reach you. Where are you? Better yet, how are you?' Bruce rambled.

'I'm fine.' Was the automatic response. In a way it was the truth. He wasn't the one kidnapped by a psychopath. 'How did you get the phone?'

'Tony got–'

The sentence was cut off. Silence. A scream sounded. Clint was reasonably sure it was Tony who screamed.

'There is your prove of live. Now tell me your target is dead or I'll have to hurt your loudmouthed friend some more.' Erikson didn't waste any time on pleasantries.

'Don't hurt him. The target is dead. I did what you asked.' Clint hurried to get the words out.

'Good.' Clint could hear the smile in Erikson's voice. 'You're next target can be found in the file at the station. This time you have twenty-four hours.'

The connection was broken. Clint stared at the phone. Twenty-four hours. He was good. But that was next to impossible. He looked around the room. He would have to do some cleaning before he left. The bloody mess that was the room was bound to attract some unwanted attention. S.H.I.E.L.D. would be able to trace the blood back to him. But he could lose more time. Every moment wasted was dangerous for Tony and Bruce. He weighed his options in his head. Reaching a decision, he sighed. He quickly packed his stuff. He had a new mission to get to.

More action coming... Let me know what you think.