In which, my friend and I had a feels contest...Be warned.
WE DO NOT OWN MARVEL OR ITS CHARACTERS, BUT DO I REALLY HAVE TO SAY MORE? I JUST LOVE YOU PEOPLE.
Chapter 14 - Surprises
Seeing Bruce's sad look hurt Tony's heart. He would definitely have to ask the Hulk to let Bruce come back pretty soon. It wasn't that Tony didn't want to spend time with Bruce; he just felt that Hulk would enjoy this more and a promise was a promise. At the last second Tony felt he had to say, "I love you, Bruce."
It still scared Stark a bit when presented with the very large green man, but he couldn't help but smile once the Hulk showed him that big grin. "Hey, big guy. How ya doin'?" He looked at his watch "Oh fuck, talk in the elevator. Natasha will only wait so long and I know you're going to want to see this."
Stark went to the team elevator, not his and Bruce's private one, and pressed the button to go to the training area. He waited for the Hulk and then looked up at him ready to hear his answer on how he was doing.
The Hulk snorted and followed the tiny Stark into the elevator. It was still way too cramped for the giant man and Tony had to back into him to fit. He did let for a growl to let Stark know that he shouldn't get too cozy there.
"Hulk fine," he grumbled not knowing what the hell was going on. He was happy to be out, and was quite ecstatic to know Banner was pouting because he couldn't play with his computer. One thing he knew was that the man would keep his promise, and he'd get out whenever he wanted. "Where we go'n?"
Stark coughed awkwardly into his hand when Hulk growled a bit. "I will expand the elevator so it's a more comfortable fit soon..."
"We're going to the training room. We're going to see a show that I think you'll enjoy a lot," Tony said with a smile that he wasn't sure if the Hulk could see it. He wasn't really sure if the Hulk knew it was him who asked Bruce to let him out or if he thought Bruce did it by mistake or to keep his promise. Tony knew he was going to have to do something special for Banner to make up for asking him to let the Hulk out so soon. He loved the man and he didn't want Bruce feeling like anything less.
Hulk let out another huff of air as acknowledgement. This was going to have to be an entertaining show. If not, he could get the Shell Head to spar with him. That would be entertaining and he gave a smile of his own at the thought of it.
Soon the elevator doors opened to see the impatient Black Widow standing in the middle of the room, looking at the elevator expectantly. She gave a disappointed look to see the two that came out and the Hulk only gave a snort to see nothing of particular interest.
"Tony, you're late. I was going to start without you," Natasha said obviously not happy that it had taken the man so long to get down there. She had no idea why the Hulk was here, but if Tony wasn't freaking out or anything, then she was just going to take it in stride.
"I know, I know. Sorry, Natasha. I took a long shower today since I worked up a sweat with the Serpent Society yesterday," he lied with a small smile as he got out the elevator and walked forward enough to make sure the Hulk could get off too. "But we're here now and that's what counts. Where's the Cap?"
"He said 'watching a teammate fall at the hand of another teammate, while cross-dressing is not entertainment.' He said to call him once we're done playing dress up," Natasha said with a small smile. "Clint is late. I'm going to kick his ass extra hard for that."
"Where's goldilocks?" Hulk asked since everyone was wondering about everyone else. If there was anyone who could handle his throws and get back up it was Thor, and since everyone else there was boring he might as well get to smash someone around. "Hulk could go for a good smackdown."
The elevator doors opened right after the Hulk's statement. Everyone turned to see Clint in the outfit Natasha picked out for him. He was sporting a one piece purple and blue dress with a vee neck that went down to his navel, arm holes that went down to his waist as well to show off his sides, and then a mini skirt bottom. The man still carried his quiver on his back with his bow at hand. He kept his normal boots and bracer and stepped out of the elevator to see the audience.
Before the man could even get out, he was met with booming laughter. The Hulk clenched his stomach as he laid eyes on the man. It was priceless to see Barton in such a fabulous outfit, but there would be another touch to make it better. "BWAHAHA! Cupid, you forgot your wings," the Hulk stated in between laughing fits.
"OH COME ON! Why did you have to tell them?!" Clint yelled at Natasha while pointing at the laughing Stark and Hulk. "And watch it Jade Jaws! I'm not afraid to start going at it with you!" he stated as he walked up to the giant man with the most intimidating look he could give considering the situation.
The entirety of the situation was too much. The Hulk feel onto the floor laughing, the man was too priceless. "Ya gotta wear that, and then Hulk might just laugh myself into submission," he boomed on the floor followed by another roar of laughter.
Stark was dying laughing so hard it hurt. "N-Natasha hahaha I-I can't believe y-you picked his old uniform hahahahaha" Seeing the Hulk on the floor laughing only made Tony laugh harder. He was even beginning to cry.
"Thor's off visiting Jane, or something. He said he'd train later or he doesn't need to train I don't know I stopped listening once he said he wouldn't be here," she said obviously only caring about the spar today.
"Well, I said a dress. I never specified the type. Besides, this way it's a fair fight," she said with a smirk. The fact she was doing this as payback was obvious and she was definitely enjoying it. She walked over to the ring and jumped in. "Come on Clint, or they might think the main event is you in that dress."
"I-It was fashionable back then! And how in the HELL did you know that Shell Head?!" Clint whirled around, ready to punch the man before Romanoff called him back. He turned his flustered face around and jumped into the ring after putting down his bow and quiver. Clint put up his fists after a quick tug at the back of his skirt, not willing to flash the laughing mass behind him.
"Come on!" Clint said going for first blow as he dashed around to get her from behind.
"You were right, Tinman. This is a show," he said with a grin once he managed to stop laughing for a bit and got off the floor. "Shoulda brought popcorn."
"I have my ways, Bird Brain," he said with a smile as he walked around the ring. It took all he had not to laugh again when Clint tugged on his skirt. "JARVIS please have Dummy bring up a lot of popcorn."
"Yes, sir," JARVIS said over the sound of the fight.
"Clint I really hope you wore underwear or this will be more of a peep show rather than a sparing," Natasha said dodging the blow and moving to roundhouse kick the man.
The kick hit Clint square on the ass and pushed him into the ropes of the ring. Natasha got her answer as Barton was leaning over the edge of the ropes. There was a nice lacy black thong, his ass exposed indefinitely. He quickly pulled down the skirt and got off to charge again.
Hulk was once again on the floor laughing. Why the man would wear that type of underwear for sparring was too ridiculous. Soon enough, Dummy brought the popcorn which he took while sitting down to cram it into his mouth when he wasn't roaring in laughter.
"Dammit! I told you not to tell anyone when we were down here!" he yelled as he took another hook, trying to land it on her face. At the same time he sweep his leg, hoping that she would take the bait so he could let her fall.
Stark started laughing once again. He was grateful that he didn't have to go to such lengths to get Bruce to have sex with him. "Nice ass, Clint. Now I see why Natasha stays with you."
Natasha smiled as she ducked out the way of the fist, but feel on the floor. "What can I say Clint? I wanted to show off my property a bit," she teased as she jumped back on her hands and kangaroo kicked the man using her arms a springs to add force. "I just didn't think you'd set up such a pretty display."
"Ha ha! Enjoy the show Shell Hea-ooff!" Clint was cut off with the sudden force to the stomach, knocking the air out of him and causing him to stumble back. He went back again keeping up a fist fight where no punches landed until he managed to get ahold around her neck and got a fist to her kidney. "I didn't think you'd seriously be going through with this!"
The Hulk was enjoying himself getting to watch the puny humans throw punches at one another. The sideshow of Cupid embarrassing himself with his own ass was a plus. He kept munching on the popcorn while he chuckled at the futile endeavors of the man.
"Oh, I'm enjoying the show alright. Tell you what, I got a pole on my jet. Give a show there and I'll pay handsomely," he joked. This was just perfect. Pulling out his phone he turned on JARVIS's recording. He definitely wanted to show Bruce this later.
Natasha gave a sharp gasp at her kidney being punched. She kicked up one of her legs hitting him in the back of the head. Catching him off guard was enough for her to slip her head out and give a rough kick to the man's back. "Well, that's just how good of a spy I am, you didn't expect it," she said making it obvious that she was proving her skills as an assassin.
"Ugh! I'm sorry! Do I get anything tonight out of doing this?" Barton whined after regaining himself after the kick. He also adjusted his skirt that had ridden up again. There was a blush on his face for having to put up with all the embarrassment. "And you better not touch me Shell Head!"
Clint went in again, this time getting his fist caught by the assassin. She twisted it around his back where he threw his weight to make her fall back to the floor with him.
The green giant stood up finally from his laughing fit. He tossed the empty bowl of popcorn to the side of the room and noticed Stark with his phone. The Hulk gave a smile and asked, "recording?"
"I know the rules, 'look, but don't touch," Stark teased watching the man trying to cover his shame. He looked at the Hulk. "Figured we might need something to do in case there's not enough explosions in Die Hard for you."
Natasha let out and 'oof' as they fell. She was up quickly and waited for Barton to get up. She believed in kicking a man while he was down, but not when she was just sparring with her lover. It would be a pity to break his sexy body. "Well, you did wear such a pretty thong..."
She waited until he stood before charging at him and tossing him on the floor with her legendary death thighs. She sat, hovering over the man's neck. "And you did apologize. So I suppose, maybe."
"Play it on repeat," Hulk chuckled as he kept his attention to the man getting thrown around.
"Oh my god! They're fucking recording this now too! Please can we stop!? You win!" Clint held Natasha's thighs, trying to pry her off which was the first time he had ever done so. Normally, he would be overjoyed to have the woman's legs wrapped around him, but under the circumstances he really wanted to get up and leave.
"They're recording it? Good, I want some proof to say I win," she said with a small smirk. Getting off the man, she helped him up. She gave him a small kiss before slapping his ass. "Now go dress like a man before I dump your sorry ass. I like to wear the pants in the relationship, but I like to be the woman in it too."
Stark started laughing again, watching the two. "Don't worry, Clint. I won't put this online or anything," Stark said seriously. There were a lot of things he'd love to do to see Clint humiliated, but there were two reasons he wouldn't put it online. One, Natasha would kick his ass and two, he understood how Clint felt because Stark's own boyfriend could turn into the Hulk and beat the living shit out of him. "This will stay on JARVIS's files," he leaned over to the Hulk to say very quiet, "on repeat."
Clint yelped and quickly pulled down his skirt for the last time. He jumped out of the ring and headed to the elevator with Natasha. The man was left without any words to speak for what happened so he just went into the elevator with Widow after a hate filled glance back at the laughing spectators as the doors closed.
"Excellent," Hulk said after he busted another gut which he managed to tame after the fabulous man left. He turned to Stark, a giant smile still on his face. "That was fun. Now what?"
"Now I have something to discuss with you," Stark said seriously. "In a few days, I leave for Japan for a business meeting. I was hoping to take Bruce and the other Avengers with me and stay in China for a few days for a vacation. Because of the size of things there, I figure it will be hard for you to enjoy the vacation yourself when you're let out. So I was thinking we could stop on a more uninhabited island on the way to Japan and on the way to China for a couple days each way so you can enjoy a vacation too. However, if you don't agree, I'll go to Japan alone and I'll just fly back after my meeting. So what do you say?"
Hulk's smile quickly turned into a scowl as he let out a growl at the promise of being locked away again. The mention of Banner's name didn't help. Even with the promise to get his own time, he was still left in an angry mood.
"Hulk gonna get his own time. Hulk gonna get a month to himself when we get back," he leaned in close to Stark to make sure he got the message.
Stark sighed, making sure not to show fear. If Hulk didn't want to be feared, he had to stop purposefully intimidating his teammates. "Come on Hulk, a whole month? The vacation is only going to be two weeks and you get your own time with that. What if I promise you get time while we're in China too? I can't even make this promise on my own. I haven't even talked to Banner about it."
Tony had to think quickly. Was there anything he could do? It then hit him. He really felt stupid for not thinking of it before. "What if I got the penthouse level at the hotel so you could enjoy yourself there too? The bed should be big enough to for you to enjoy. I'm really trying here. I want to take Bruce on a vacation with me, but I cannot survive a month without touching him or talking to him. I made sure Bruce kept his promise today. I asked him to let you out so you could enjoy Hawkeye getting his ass kicked. Can you trust me enough to continue to make sure you get let out more and you get to enjoy yourself? Please?"
"I would appreciate seeing Tony sooner than a month later," came a voice standing behind the Hulk. The giant spun around to see someone he didn't particularly want to. It was Banner, visible once again only to himself.
"Don't care! Want a month out," Hulk yelled at the man. Bruce didn't flinch nor move away. He only looked at the green man with heavy eyes, knowing that this would become a more common occurrence: trading his life for the good of others. Banner was going to try his best to allow Stark time; the billionaire didn't know exactly what he signed up for when he agreed with the Hulk.
"Two weeks for two weeks sounds fair, doesn't it? Of course I'll still keep my promise and let you out daily afterwards. But please, let me have some time with my partner," Bruce said calmly. The doctor meant his promise. He couldn't help but let out a chuckle realizing the only promises he kept were to others and never himself.
"You'll be out for two weeks, day and night. Is it a deal?" Bruce asked staring at the giant, hoping for the answer he wanted. It didn't matter what Stark promised, Stark wasn't the one letting him out, even if he thought he was.
"Deal," he grumbled. Hulk turned around to face Stark again, a smug smile on his face. "Two weeks for two weeks. Banner offered." He ignored the rest of what the man was willing to give; he already got most of what he wanted.
"Well if that's what you two agreed on, then I have no right to say yes or no. I will say chilling with you for two weeks seems like a pretty fun thing to do," Tony meant what he said. It was fun to hang out with the Hulk, especially since they both found the lowbrow comedy funny, but it was never as good as being with Banner. But if Tony was going to be hanging out with the Hulk for two weeks straight he needed to find something out. "Hulk, do you want to be friends?"
Hulk was caught off guard by the question. He looked down at the man confused, and turned around once more. This time he headed off to the elevator as it opened for him. He crammed inside and before the doors closed on him he said, "Hulk could use more friends."
There was a smile on the giant's face and finally the doors closed, taking him up to the floor with his bedroom. There wasn't much more for the Hulk to do, he realized as he walked into his room. He wasn't in a talking mood, and surely the Shell Head would come up to bother him soon enough. With a grunt he said, "you can deal with your boyfriend."
In seconds, the giant man had lost his muscles and height and left Banner in the middle of the room, gripping onto his oversized pants. He was panting as he tried to regain himself after the transformation. It was the first time the other guy willing changed back and he was grateful. He looked at his watch to see the short time he was gone. Thank you, he thought to himself.
"You owe me," he heard as a response as he looked in the mirror to see the Hulk. He disappeared just as soon as he came, leaving Banner to shake his mind back to normal.
Once he figured himself out, he realized he really needed some clothes. Bruce walked to Tony's room and back into the closet to get a proper attire. He dropped his oversized pants and picked out something to wear. He settled with yellow boxers, a matching yellow shirt, and a pair of khaki pants. He threw on the garb and picked his ID out of the giant pants to put in the new pocket. Leaving the closet, he found his glasses which he put on to go work in the lab. The physicist headed for the private elevator to bring him down to the lab so he could continue his research. He wasted time earlier; he wasn't going to waste it when he was given the chance.
Stark stood shocked. He thought the Hulk was just going to ignore him, but not only did he agree to be friends he even smiled. He sat for a while thinking of this trip. Nothing would make him happier than spending the vacation with Bruce, but he would miss Bruce for the two weeks he was without him. "JARVIS, where is the Hulk?"
"Mr. Hulk is gone, sir. Dr. Banner is here again."
"Fine, then where is Bruce?" he asked, getting irritated with his machine.
"In the gamma lab, sir." Tony sighed and went to the hidden private elevator. He went up to the lab to see Bruce working through the glass once the doors opened.
"Hey, big guy. How ya feelin'?" Tony asked walking into the area. He hoped Bruce wasn't mad at him. It was obvious he was being careful with his words. "Are you mad at me?"
"I wouldn't be here right now if I was mad at you. I'm fine, little dizzy from the transformation still," Bruce said keeping his eyes to the monitor he was playing with. His tone was uncaring, like he had better things to do. Banner had always gotten into his work like this, even though he loved the man, it helped hide his true feelings.
"I recorded Hawkeye's and Widow's spar. You know, in case you wanted to see it," he said a bit worried. Bruce always got engulfed in work, but usually he was a bit happier about it until he'd been at it for hours. By that time he was usually a bit upset he couldn't figure out what ever he was working on. "So...feel like a vacation?"
"Thanks, I think I saw my fill of their match though. From what I can remember," Bruce said still keeping to his work. He flicked around some items on the screen to get a new formula to work with. Then Stark mentioned the vacation and he cringed slightly. He took in a deep breath before starting to talk.
"It...sounds nice," he said referring to the vacation. The part after that would be torturous. He sat there quietly for a few minutes before the doctor spoke up again, his voice trailing off near the end. "I'm sorry for dealing with the other guy for you..."
"Bruce...I would love a vacation with you, but not at the price of you losing your freedom. W-what if instead we go somewhere where he can be out daily like here? Then do you have to give up two weeks of being you?" Tony asked obviously concerned. No vacation was worth losing Bruce. "The Hulk is a cool guy and I want him to enjoy himself too, but isn't there a way for you two to both enjoy life without either of you going long periods without being out?"
The physicist gave a light sigh and turned away from his work for the first time. He looked up at the desperate eyes that Tony was boring him down with and gave a weak smile. "That's not how it works Tony. It's never been like that. Don't worry; he'll still get to come out for the vacation. His vacation just gets to be extended with you, while mine is extended away from you. It'll be okay." Bruce tried to be reassuring, hoping Stark would stop giving him such a pitiful look.
"I guess, but I can't touch the Hulk," Tony said putting his hands on Bruce's shoulders, "and I sure as hell can't kiss the Hulk. The last time I asked for a hug he informed me a hug wouldn't come without my spine being broken. And I sure as hell hope he hears this next part because he left before I got to really talk to him about this. If he wants to be friends, he has to stop purposefully intimidating me. Even if he's mad he has to talk to me because, you of all people know Bruce, I don't play well with those who try to out temper tantrum me. Also, he has to stop getting mad every time I mention you just like you have to stop getting so depressed when I ask for him. Bruce, it doesn't mean I love you any less, it just means it's something he'd enjoy that you probably wouldn't. Hulk, you need to understand that yes, I love Bruce with all my heart and love time with him, but that doesn't mean I want to hang out with you any less. It just means that I need to be around the man I love, especially when I'm horny because, Hulk, I know you don't want to deal with that."
Tony was just venting all he had been thinking about. He felt like he was scolding children who were jealous for attention. It was obviously hard for them to share a body, but they were going to have to learn to live with it.
The longer Tony went, the more sorrowful Bruce's face noticeably became. When he was done being chastised, he looked back up with his sad eyes. He also removed Stark's hands from his shoulders and held them in his hands, the weight still too great for him. Banner let out another small sigh before he started.
"Tony...I know that. The other guy knew most of that. But, in all seriousness, this is only going to get worse. He's going to have a lot more time than I do in the future and there's no way around it. It's what he wants after so long. I just...You need to know this...I-It's if you want to still stay with me. Eventually, you'll rarely get to see me, I know it. So please...don't hurt yourself...," Bruce looked incredibly pained. It was a warning that had to be said and he knew he didn't do it justice. He really didn't want to hurt the poor man. "I-I love you Tony."
Tony's heart sank more and more as he heard Bruce's warning. This just...wasn't fair. He let the words sink in. Silent. That's what Tony was for once absolutely silent. Slowly he leaned in and kissed Bruce's forehead. "I love you too, Bruce. That's why I still want to stay with you."
His words were barely a whisper. Gently he removed his hands from Bruce's and turned. He needed to be alone. He needed to think. He needed a drink. Without another word he walked out the lab and went straight to his bedroom. "JARVIS, have Dummy bring me bring me scotch, lots of scotch."
"Sir do you really think thats-"
"Now!"
"Yes, sir." Within minutes Tony was half way through a bottle of scotch. He was going to lose Bruce, slowly but surely he was going to lose Bruce. This was not okay. They were finally happy. They were doing work all the time and having fun. Tony was even making friends with the Hulk, but now, now it meant nothing. He was going to lose everything that mattered. He chugged the last half of the bottle, before cracking open another.
"I'm so sorry," Bruce whispered as Tony left the room. It was obvious the man wanted to be alone and he couldn't blame him. He felt the same way. The physicist tried to get back into his work but the words became meaningless as his heart grew heavier. He couldn't focus on anything in the screen and decided to abandon it altogether by pushing the device away. This was his fault, and there was nothing that could shake the notion from his mind.
"Told ya-self that it was a bad decision to stay here. Regret it yet?" the Hulk appeared in the monitor at the angle he pushed it at. The creature looked smug, enjoying the drama going on.
"I knew it was a bad decision from the start," Banner said quietly. "I even told myself to leave. I promised myself that I would go. Apparently, I can't keep a promise to myself to save my life...I even packed and everything to leave this place...But he changed my mind. It was the first time I didn't feel like I was a monster. That we weren't monsters anymore...We won't be ever again. This...this really has been the greatest thing that has happened with my life. I could never regret it, despite all this pain."
The Hulk snorted at the sappy man in front of him. "You said it yourself, it's 'only going to get worse,'" he said with a smile. "Will he really stay with you?"
"Y-yes...With all this pain, with all the waiting, with all the distance, he'll still wait. Bless him. Even if I wish he wouldn't. It hurts more to know he'll go through all that for me...I've never been worth that."
"You're right, you're not."
"Thank you...father," Bruce looked into the mirror to see Brian Banner staring at him. There was the hopelessly pained look on his face to see the man again.
"You shoulda died with that bullet in your mouth you little monster! Now you're trying to invade on others' lives. Just kill yourself, you make me sick you piece of shit!"
"I-I know...," Bruce said on the verge of tears. He pushed the monitor farther away, trying to get rid of everything in his head. "I know how you didn't want another Banner in the world, father. Maybe it would have been a better choice. But...I've lived more this last couple of months than I did my entire life...I don't want to give that up, but I will for you big guy. We're...we're heroes..."
The monitor was perpendicular to the man, he wouldn't have to see any reflections that way or himself crying. The tears had finally made its way down his face when he realized he actually became what he wanted: a hero. He could feel the presence of something much larger next to him though. It didn't say anything, only huffed air out of his nose as he looked down at the man.
"T-thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance to live, Hulk," Bruce whispered to the figured as he brushed away his tears on his sleeve.
Stark's drinking slowed as the alcohol decreased his thinking power, but every time a logical thought was able to get through he took another big gulp of scotch. Considering his normal thinking power, a lot of logical thoughts were still able to make it through. Why? Another gulp. Why didn't I know this already? Another gulp. Why did I stop working on a cure? Another gulp. This just isn't fair. Another gulp.
"Sir," JARVIS said over Bruce. "I hate to interrupt, but at his current rate of drinking Mr. Stark is likely to either pass out and choke on his own vomit or suffer from alcohol poisoning," JARVIS used to go to Miss Potts about this stuff, but considering the past couple months, Dr. Banner was calculated as a better choice.
I love him. I love him. I love him. I love him! He is my everything! Another long drink. It had been so long since Tony had drank like this. His mind was swimming. His stomach felt awful, but he couldn't stop. It comforted him. Now instead of thinking about how unfair it was, all he could think about was how much he absolutely loved this man that had been tossed into his life by an alien attack.
"I love him," Tony whispered before falling to the floor. One and a half bottles of scotch was too much even for his tolerance.
Bruce's head shot up to the ceiling when he heard the computer's warning. Everything else in the room disappeared, his visions stopped. All he could think about whether or not Tony was alright. The doctor ran to the elevator and impatiently waited for it to get back up to the bedroom. He dashed out as soon as the doors opened to find Stark on the floor unconscious.
"T-Tony!" Bruce yelled as fresh tears ran down his cheeks. He fell to the floor next to the man to try and felt his pulse. The doctor looked down on the ground around Stark to find an empty bottle and a half empty bottle of scotch. "Still there...Oh god, Tony please...J-just hang in there..."
With great difficulty, Banner managed to find the strength to pick up the larger man and at least get him onto the bed. He laid him on his side and brushed his hair softly, kissing his forehead lightly.
"J-JARVIS how long was he passed out before I got here?"
"Not even a minute, sir."
Bruce nodded despairingly. He sat down on the edge of the bed where he placed the man and could only cry at the sight. Banner felt like he was going to be sick. Once again, he caused the man such pain. This time it could have been deadly and it still could be. The small man fumbled for his ID card in his pocket and pressed a button on the device to call everyone.
"A-Avengers, p-please...help...Tony...Tony's drunken himself unconscious with a bottle and half of scotch. W-we need to get him to a hospital," the doctor said frantically in between fits where he couldn't breathe.
"On our way," came from Hawkeye. Soon Hawkeye, Widow and Cap came to the entrance of the room to find Stark on the bed and Bruce fidgeting anxiously next to him.
"H-help," Bruce whispered as he jumped off the bed to do anything possible for the man.
"How the hell did he do this?!" Steve asked picking the man up and tossing him over his shoulder in case he puked. It was better for it to go down his back than for Stark to choke on it. Carrying him down to the car quickly, he wished Thor was here. They'd get to the hospital much faster. He put the man in the back seat of one of his sports cars.
"Cap, better let me drive, Bruce sit in back with Stark and make sure to keep him on his side. If he wakes up it's better in your lap than if in Clint's or Steve's," she said getting in the driver's seat. She waited for the other two to get in to speed off into the street, heading for the hospital. She wasn't sure who was more likely to puke Rogers or Stark.
Bruce nodded, very disoriented from the whole situation. He got in the back seat with Stark, letting the man's head rest on him. The entire time, he tried to calm himself down so he could at least be useful rather than the twitchy mess he currently was.
Steve quickly got in the other side of the back seat since Clint took shotgun to be with Natasha. Soon they all speed off the in woman's crazy driving. Bruce kept an arm around Stark to keep him from moving around too much.
"Alright, so what in the hell happened up there?" Barton asked since Cap had been ignored the first time to scramble downstairs.
"I-I was in the lab while Tony was in his room. JARVIS told me what he was doing while I was down there and I ran to the elevator to find him on the floor pass out. I-I panicked and now we're here..." Bruce stuttered looking down at Stark, tears building up again in his eyes.
Natasha saw the upset man in the rearview mirror. She glared at Clint. "Clint, leave him alone right now." Her tone softened as she spoke to Bruce. "Don't worry, Bruce. He'll be fine. This isn't the first time he's drank himself sick." She left out the part that he had never made himself pass out before, but that was for the best.
Cap helped keep Tony still with one hand and patted Bruce's shoulder with the other. Usually, seeing the two be so lustfully affectionate made him sick, but this was different. There was nothing but pure love and concern in Bruce's eyes. Cap hadn't even seen that in a lot normal marriages. "Stark is too much of a pain in the ass to die. Fools don't die."
"Settle, Tasha. Just needed to get the rundown on the situation," Clint said trying to defend himself. He turned around to see the men in the back and gave a smile. "Sorry. It'll be okay. Like Cap said, Shell Head came back from the dead already; a little alcohol is nothing in comparison."
Bruce nodded gratefully, happy to have so much support behind him. It was surprising to see the Captain so accepting. Maybe his idol was finally transitioning to the modern time, but he didn't dwell on it. They soon arrived at the hospital to have everyone filed out of the car.
"T-Thank you everyone," Bruce said with the utmost respect for everyone there.
Tony woke up to see a bright light that just caused his splitting headache to get worse. Once his eyes adjusted, he looked around the room to see he was attached to machines. "T-the hospital? H-how did I get here? What happened?" Tony's questions were more said out loud to get them out his head than to anyone in the room. He closed his eyes after seeing the machines he was attached to. The light was too much to handle.
The Cap and Natasha were out in the waiting room a bit worried. The doctor had said that he'd let them know when Tony woke. He didn't want more than one person in the room while he rested. Natasha knew how much Tony drank, it seemed like this was taking too long.
Bruce sprung up out of his chair when he heard the man's voice. The doctor of course told him not to worry, that he'd be fine, but there was no way to stop him from caring about the man on the hospital bed. Wanting to be cautious for Tony's own sake, Bruce quietly walked over and placed a hand over the man's eyes. The light was obviously bugging the man and he didn't know how bad of a hangover he would possibly have currently.
"It's alright. Everything's alright now. You're in the hospital...You passed out after a drinking binge...Thank god you're safe," Banner leaned to give the man a kiss on his forehead and brushed his hair with the other hand.
Stark couldn't help but smile when he felt Bruce's hand over his eyes and his lips on his forehead. I was binge drinking? Why was I binge drinking? I haven't had more than a glass or two for months. Why was I- His smile soon faded as he remembered what had set him off. Slowly the tears he had been trying to keep away finally began to fall. "Bruce...I'm sorry. I-I just didn't want to think about it and I..."
Stark was rambling it was obvious what he did to keep himself from thinking. "I love you, Bruce."
"Shh...It's okay. It's okay. I love you too. So much," Bruce kissed the man again, this time lightly on the lips. He took his hand off Tony's eyes to wipe away the man's tears and to get a better look at him. His own eyes were becoming glossy as he watched the billionaire.
"I-I'm so sorry, I caused all this. I-I just needed to let you know...But Tony...please don't scare me like that again...," the doctor asked as he stroked Stark's cheek. Bruce had only spoken a little of what he was feeling. He truly felt awful for what had happened, what his actions had caused Tony to do. It was all hidden behind his pained expression, not wanting to work up the man after he had just woken up after his binge.
Tony kissed the man back, wincing a bit when the added darkness was removed from his eyes. He prayed Bruce wouldn't leave. Bruce always tried to leave when something happened to Tony.
"No...You were right to tell me. If you hadn't when it finally happened, I probably would have challenged the Hulk and got myself killed instead. I promise I won't do that to you again," Tony said moving his face into the man's hand more. His head hurt too much to really open his eyes. He turned his head to face where Bruce's voice was coming from. "Bruce, please don't leave. The last time you felt you hurt me you packed and tried to leave when I wasn't looking. Please don't leave."
Bruce put his hand back down on Tony's face. There was obvious discomfort without it and he didn't want the poor man to strain himself too much in his current state. He was glad to hear that Stark wouldn't go and purposely hurt himself again. Then another somber expression took Banner's face when Stark mentioned him leaving. In the hours of waiting for the man to wake up, it did cross his mind that, maybe, his absence would allow the billionaire to live the life he deserved. It was his last resort solution. If Tony was going to only harm himself because of him, then he would have to leave. Maybe then he could keep a promise to himself.
"I...I won't leave," Bruce said looking down at what he could see of Tony's face.
Tony relaxed a little once the light was once again completely blocked out. "Promise me. Promise me you won't leave, even if you think it will help me. Even if you think you're hurting me. Even if you think it will save my life, promise me you won't leave."
As tired as he was, it was obvious he was serious. There was nothing that would hurt him more, at least when it got to the point where he rarely saw Bruce he'd know where he was, he'd know he was okay.
"Tony...I...I don't want to leave you. I really really don't," Bruce said seriously, but not as forcefully as Stark could. He was grateful that the billionaire on the bed couldn't see his face right then and there. It was so pained and conflicted he didn't know what to do. He wanted to tell the man what he wanted to hear, but this was something he didn't want to promise to, something he didn't know if he could keep a promise to. "I love you Tony. So much."
"I love you too Bruce. More than you'll ever know." It didn't go unnoticed that Bruce didn't promise, but Tony was too tired to push it further. "Bruce, I'm tired, can we go home?"
With a small knock on the door, the Cap came in. "The doctor said he's awake. How is he?" Steve didn't know if Tony was up to talking. The sight before him made him tense up a bit, but it was nowhere near what he usually felt. "We're all kind of worried out there, can he handle more visitors?"
"Fuck, everyone else knows?" Tony sighed and gave a small smile "I'm fine, everyone else can come in. If Thor is out there he is not allowed to talk unless he knows how to whisper."
Steve nodded and waved everyone in. Natasha came in to see Bruce's hand over Tony's eyes. "Oh god, was he drinking moonshine too? Is he blind?"
"I don't know, but he owes me over a hundred bucks for all the coffee Thor went through once he got back from his visit with Jane," Hawkeye complained as he came into the room with the god who was gulping down a venti. Clint handed Stark something similar to Thor's, making sure the man had a grasp on it before he let go. "Venti decaf. Might take the edge of the hangover you probably got. By the way, Starbucks loves this big guy and Thor will you stop chugging through those!" He pointed at Thor, not really paying attention that Stark couldn't see at the moment. He handed another cup to Banner in his free hand. "Same thing. Thought it would be better to not have Jade Jaws running around the place."
"My humblest apologies Eye of the Hawk. Nay, these drinks are delicious, it is rude of me to not drink it in such a fashion," Thor whispered after finishing his drink. He seemed very excited to be back with everyone and that the man was alright. "Man of Iron! The Widow of Black taught me this fascinating way to communicate. I do find it more strenuous on my voice, but she assured me it would be a good idea after I ventured all this way to make sure your being was safe!"
Bruce gratefully accepted the drink. He normally had tea, but this would do just the same. He hadn't left the room since Tony was checked in and the doctor allowed him to stay with him. "Thank you, everyone," he said with a small smile. "And no, he's not blind yet. Just sensitive to the light and sound. Basic hangover."
Natasha let out a relieved sigh. Tony was stupid a lot of the time, but he wasn't insane. She had no idea what the man was thinking. From what she knew, his drinking had fallen down to just a glass or two in a day. Only one person in the world had any control over Tony, and that person was the only one that knew exactly what happened. She looked at Bruce, trying to make sure it wasn't obvious what she was thinking.
"What? No coffee for me?" Steve asked teasing Hawkeye a bit. He was glad that Tony was going to be alright. As big a pain in the ass the man was, he was still Steve's teammate and that meant he was going to be taken care of.
"Thanks, Clint. I really appreciate it. And I'll pay for Thor's large coffee bill," Tony said with a small chuckle. Tony raised his free hand to gently lift Bruce's hand off his eyes. He kissed the man's palm gently before releasing it so he could sit up. He slowly opened his eyes. He had the worst headache of his life, but he wanted to look at his team. He couldn't help but smile. They had all dropped what they were doing to make sure he was okay. This wasn't just a team, this was a family. "Thanks for coming guys...Sorry to scare you like that. I was just trying to prepare for the next drinking contest," he teased.
"No problem as long as I get the money by the end of the night," Clint was still making sure to be as snarky as possible. "I would have got you a coffee, Cap. Oh wait, I did. And then Thor drank it. Along with Tasha's, which I kindly gave mine up for. But Tony, if you're gonna go drinking like that again, at least be on a lower floor. It's kinda annoying having to carry you in the elevator to the garage."
"Have I not apologized for my previous actions?!" Thor got defensive about the coffee. "You handed me the items with no further instruction. I thought you were giving me the joyous drink!"
"I already bought you a dozen cups before that!" Clint groaned, realizing there was no use in fighting the god.
Bruce sipped at his coffee gingerly. The way Tony fooled around talking about his actions bothered him, but he tried to hide his pained expression. You could have died Tony...
"Will do," Tony said sipping the coffee. It really did help take the edge off. He couldn't help but laugh as Thor and Hawkeye fought over the lost cups of coffee. "Hey guys...Can we go home now? I really miss my Egyptian cotton sheets and my bed with enough space for two." He looked pointedly at Bruce with a grin.
The Cap blushed a bright red hearing Tony's comment. "Well, I'm going to go ask a doctor about Stark leaving," he said quickly leaving.
Natasha shook her head with a small smile "Stark's definitely okay if he's thinking about sex already. God, Stark was your first thought after coming back from space about the next time you were going to get laid?"
"Nope first it was 'Oh god, please say no one kissed me,' next was shawarma, then it was when I could have sex next," he said laughing. It hurt to laugh, but it was worth it.
Bruce blushed, embarrassed everyone in the room was there for that. He sighed and took another sip from his coffee. He definitely was not in the mood for sex that night, but he wanted to be with Tony. There was nothing that would make him feel safer.
"Have fun with that Stark. Make sure you're tolerable in bed tonight," Clint snickered as he turned to Thor. "Might as well go buy the big lug another coffee before we leave. Come on, Thor."
"WONDERFUL!" Thor boomed, forgetting the advice Romanoff had given him earlier and quickly followed Barton out the door.
"OW! INSIDE VOICE THOR!" Tony held his head with the hand that lacked coffee. It took a moment for the pain to subside. He wished he could be at home where he could control the light and sound.
At that moment, Steve came back in. "The doctor says you're good to go. I filled out the discharge papers. He also said that you're liver must be made of steel for it to handle so much."
"We'll go get the car. Bruce, why don't you help Tony get dressed and push his wheelchair." Natasha smiled grabbing the Cap as she walked out the door.
Bruce nodded as the two left, closing the door after them. He set his and Tony's coffee down on a table across the room and then moved to pick up the nicely folded pile of clothing by Tony's bedside and handed it to the man. The only reason it was folded to that extent was while he was panicking he decided to take it out on the clothes until they were compressed perfectly together.
"I'm sorry," Banner whispered as he pulled at the stings on Stark's backside to get rid of the garment the hospital provided. The doctor took back the clothes as Tony freed himself from the uncomfortable piece of fabric. Since his upper body was already exposed, Bruce took Tony's shirt and placed the rest of the clothes on the bed. With the aid of the billionaire, he got the item on pretty quick. The boxers and jeans would be another story depending on how well Stark could stand up.
"There's no need to apologize, love." Stark was grateful for the help. It was much appreciated considering his low mobility. Stark managed to stand up a bit off balance. He tried to bend over to put on his boxers. Tony nearly fell over; he caught himself on the bed. "Um Bruce...I need a bit of help with my boxers and jeans...Sorry..."
Usually, this would be the type of situation he'd try to take advantage of the situation, but considering he could barely stand on his own it probably wouldn't be a good idea to try to get a quickie in before they left.
"Of course," Bruce said rushing to the man's aid. He took the boxers from Stark and had him keep his balance on the bed as he opened the item for him to step in. They came up with relative ease and he repeated the process with the jeans before Tony passed out from exerting himself too hard. Once he was fully clothed, he took his arm to lead him to the wheelchair in the corner of the room. He let Tony lean on him all he needed as he seated him in the chair.
"Ready?" Banner asked as he handed both of the coffees to Tony since he had no free hand to push him and carry the items.
"Y-Yeah. Thanks, babe," Tony said putting his head back and puckering his lips. Just because he was too tired to try and weasel sex out of Bruce, didn't mean he was too tired to get things like kisses from the man. Tony decided he wanted to enjoy the man for as long as he could. There was no sense in wasting the time he had with Bruce. He'd save his depressed alcoholism for when he didn't really get to see Bruce anymore. Until then, he was going to give Bruce the best time of his life. He was going to make the man see just how much Tony truly loved him, enough for him to remember when the Hulk was out for long periods of time, enough for even the Hulk to feel. That would be his revenge. He would make the Hulk feel how happy Bruce was even when hidden away.
"You're more than welcome," Bruce said leaning over to give Tony a light kiss. He brushed back his hair before moving forward. It took a while to navigate the confusing hallways of the hospital, but soon enough they were at the front where everyone else was waiting by the car.
Thor looked like he had gone through another couple of coffees as he waved at their arrival. "I SHALL MEET YOU ALL BACK AT THE TOWER MY FRIENDS!" he yelled and with a mighty swing of his hammer he was off in the sky.
Clint and Steve moved to open the door for the two and to help the man out of the chair. Natasha was already in the car, ready to go. They all piled into the car after the hospitalized man was situated. The car roared to life on the signal and off they went into the streets of Manhattan.
"I swear to god I will give anyone a thousand dollars that will put a muzzle on Thor," Tony said holding his head as he sat in the car. He leaned on Bruce's shoulder inhaling his scent. "You smell like vanilla" he whispered in the man's ear.
Steve couldn't help but smile a bit. If it put Tony more at ease, Rogers could stand to lose a bit of seriousness. "Make it ten thousand and I'll drink him so far under the table he won't be able to talk."
Natasha took it slow. She had no idea how strong Stark's stomach was at the moment, and as much fun as it was to mess with Cap, she just couldn't make Tony feel worse. Especially if her theories on why he did it were correct.
"I'd take up Cap on that offer, but I don't think I'd live to talk about it," Clint said jokingly, playing along with everyone else.
Bruce turned his head so he could whisper back at Stark after he took a sip of the coffee Stark had given him. "I would hope so, you gave me the bottles after all," the doctor said with a light smile.
Soon enough, even with Natasha's 'normal' driving, they had gotten back to the Tower relatively quick for New York standards. Everyone got out of the car and Bruce went to give Stark his hand as he got out.
Stark took his hand, accepting the help out. He gave a smile to the man which quickly disappeared as he felt the Cap lift him bridal style. "WHAT THE FUCK?!"
"Well you're obviously weak right now so why not accept the help?" Steve asked as he began walking. It felt nice to help his teammate. Until Stark wrapped his arm around his neck and blew in his ear. Steve almost dropped the man. "THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"
"Well, if you're going to play the hero I'm going to play the princess," Stark was laughing so hard he almost couldn't breathe, the blush on Steve's face was priceless. "Oh Captain America you're my hero," he said in a feminine voice.
"Well, I see Stark is feeling much better," Natasha said giggling a bit. It was amazing that in a situation that Stark should have been embarrassed he turned it around on Rogers. He had a real talent. A talent for being the biggest pain in the ass.
"Awww, I want in on this. Tasha, carry me to my nest, please?" Clint asked throwing himself in front of the woman ready to be caught.
Bruce laughed at the shenanigans that were taking place in front of him. He sipped at his coffee, glad to know that Tony's headache was lightening up enough for him to scream and harass the poor Captain.
Natasha sighed and lifted Clint. "Just because I kicked your ass today and Tony got it on camera," she said as she continued walking to the elevator.
Since the Captain's only response to his last thing was a light blush Tony decided to up the ante a bit. "As a reward saving me you should come to my room so we can..." Tony leaned in and whispered in the Captain's ear.
With each passing second Steve's face got redder and redder. It was obvious Stark was saying something very dirty. Why hadn't Bruce stopped him? Shouldn't he be getting jealous or something? "BRUCE, CAN'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT HIM?"
"Score," Hawkeye said, enjoying his free ride. He was also enjoying Stark's never ending teasing to the poor Captain and he was laughing up a good storm about it.
Bruce followed along. Seeing Cap get so flustered was pretty funny. It was obviously meant as teasing and he accepted that. There was still that playboy charisma to Stark that he liked. "Sorry Captain, if I could do anything about him, I would've gotten him fixed a while ago," Banner said with a chuckle.
Natasha couldn't help but laugh a bit at the Captain's quickly growing embarrassment. "Hey, Clint. Where's my thanks?" she asked obviously ready to take pleasure in the man playing a princess.
"Bruce, how do you put up with it? He talks so...dirty. Do you really talk to ladies like that?" Steve asked, still so red it seemed like he would explode. He was grateful once they were in the elevator.
"Well, I'm talking to you like that, aren't I?" He laughed a bit. "I'm just teasing you Cap. I really appreciate your help. If it'll make you feel better, you really can sleep in the bed with me and Bruce." He gave a big cocky grin that said he knew he was being a pain in the ass.
"Thank you my wonderful prince! I'll give ya something special tonight as a reward," Clint purred in her arms. After the crap he had to put up with today, he wanted something kinky.
"It's amazing, I know. Think I managed to learn a resistance for it. And I wouldn't suggest using that to pick up any lady with that," Bruce laughed as the Captain's face only got redder, as did his own. Soon the elevator doors opened to reveal Tony and Bruce's hall. Natasha and Clint stayed behind as they watched the rest of the party leave.
The Cap got off with Bruce and Tony, taking Stark to his bed. He put him down gently and turned to leave. This man was going to give him a heart attack. In his day, men did not make those jokes to each other. Then again, in his day, men didn't openly love other men.
"Thanks, Cap. What? No kiss goodnight?" Tony smiled at the man this time with a warmer tone to it. He really did appreciate the help. He just didn't want to admit that he had needed help from Captain America.
"I'm sure Bruce will give you all the goodnight kisses you want," he said leaving the room to go to his own room.
Natasha couldn't help but give a smile to her silly ass boyfriend. "Oh yeah? Does it involve your sexy ass in a thong?"
"If it needs be," Clint said we a smug grin. Soon the Cap came back and they all went to their rooms. Cap took his, needing to settle down after Tony's embarrassment, and Natasha took Barton back to her own for some fun.
"All better now princess?" the doctor teased looking down at the man on the bed. Bruce turned back to the Captain, giving a smile and a wave as the man left, grateful of him to drop Tony back off to the room. Banner then noticed the bottles still on the floor and picked them up to pitch them in the nearest garbage can. There was no want or desire to look at the objects after everything they went through tonight and he went to sit down on the edge of the bed with his partner.
"Why, Bruce? Don't you know the most important rule of a fairytale? All can only be righted once the princess has received a kiss from her true love. Considering Prince Charming wasn't willing to oblige..." he trailed teasing the man a bit. He must have really worried Bruce for him to so quickly throw those bottles away.
"Bruce...I'm sorry. I promise I won't waste our time together like that anymore. I'll save the alcoholic depression for when I don't see you for long periods of time," he said this with a smile as if he was teasing, but he was deadly serious.
Bruce placed his head on of his hands once the topic went south. The fact that Stark was being open to admitting to what he would most likely do hit him square in the gut and he wanted to hide himself from view.
"Oh god, Tony! For my sanity's sake, please, don't even joke about that. I...I don't want to be the one responsible for that. It would hurt too much," he said into his hand, the verge of possibly crying once again that day.
Tony sat up slowly to pull Bruce into his arms. "I'm sorry. I've never known how to handle situations like this without joking. I just love to hear you laugh and see you smile. I wouldn't do that too you. I wouldn't let you hurt like that again."
He gave butterfly kisses to Bruce's neck. Tony never promised he wouldn't do it. He just said he wouldn't let Bruce hurt like that. Translation, he wouldn't let Bruce catch him. There was no way he would be able to survive long periods of time without Bruce if he was in his right state of mind. The day Bruce Banner was out of Tony's life was the day the world lost all the advantages Stark Industries had to offer.
"Tony...Thank you," Bruce turned into Stark's chest and embraced him. His warmth was what he needed right then. It was enough to push away the dismal thoughts of the future and to love what he had now. He clutched on tighter to the man, wanting him closer. Banner brushed his head against Stark's to make him look up at him. He held Tony's brown eyes with his own glossy ones and gave the man a loving kiss. When they parted he freed one on his arms so he could brush the man's stubbled cheek lightly.
"You should get your rest," he said giving him a light kiss to his forehead.
There was nothing more calming than Bruce's kisses and his embrace. Tony wanted nothing more than to just rest with Bruce a while and talk. Tony laid down pulling Bruce with him gently. "Bruce...I know what's really going to happen, but...can we just talk about the future as if it wasn't? Talk about it like things would happen as they are now where you and the Hulk divide time evenly? I just...I just want to pretend for a little while. So..can we...please?"
Tony's voice was weak in his pleading, but that didn't hide the emotion behind them. All he wanted was Bruce and he was willing to give anything for him.
"Yes...Of course," Bruce said trying to make anything better for the man. He tried to smile, something to reassure Tony, but it looked forced and fidgety like he would break down again. It was going to hurt to pretend that everything was alright, like it would ever possibly be alright. That and the guilt for everything being entirely Bruce's fault, he wanted nothing more than just to apologize endlessly. The doctor pulled Tony's head into his chest and brushed it lightly, resting his own head on top.
"Tony...Tony I know you hate it when I apologize, but please let me tell you how sorry I am for everything," Banner whispered as he held Stark closer in his arms.
Tony watched the man closely seeing his reaction. As much as he wanted to pretend, he didn't want to put the man through any more pain. He snuggled into the man's chest enjoying the heat that radiated off of him. "Bruce...are you trying to make me cry again? Because I really don't want to."
He smiled a bit, kissing Bruce's chest gently. Once again, he was trying to solve his issues with a joke, but it was all he knew. He laid silent for a moment before saying, "If you really want to apologize then go ahead. Get it all out your system because when you're done I'm going to tell you why you didn't need to apologize for any of it."
Bruce shook his head, letting out a small sigh in the process. With a light kiss to Stark's forehead he said, "I figured that would be the case...I'll save it for another time then."
The doctor crawled out from his position with Tony and got off the bed. He started unbuttoning his shirt and left the article hanging off of his slim shoulders. Next he fiddled with his trousers and ditched them on the floor. He went back over to sit on the edge of the bed where Stark was resting and patted his arm.
"You want me to help you undress? Or are you too tired to even bother?" he asked with a small smile.
"Well if you're helping me, then I have enough energy," Tony said standing slowly. Taking off his shirt was easy enough, but his pants would take a bit more effort. "Only need help with the pants."
It hurt to move his stomach too much and bending over wasn't really an option. "Maybe I should take up wearing looser clothes like you. It'd make stuff like this way easier."
Bruce nodded as he held Tony's back to stand him upright. He waited patiently as Tony took off his shirt and moved when he asked for assistance. The doctor unbuttoned the jeans and pulled down the pants to around the man's ankles. Banner gave Stark his shoulder so he could lean on his as he took his legs out. He did manage a chuckle at the prospect of Tony dressing like him.
"I happen to find them more comfortable. And it helps decrease the odds of me waking up completely naked," he gave another smile as he helped Tony lay back down on the bed.
"That's a pity. I like you completely naked," Tony said with a smile as he laid back. It was times like this, when Tony was weak and wasn't worth much-other than his money-that he really saw how much he meant to his team. To Bruce. It made him truly grateful for the man.
"Bruce, you know I love you, right?" Tony asked seriously. He wanted to make sure that Bruce truly understood how much he meant. Stark would never be able to forgive himself if he only got to rarely see Bruce and the man didn't know how much he was love and wanted.
"I know...," Bruce blushed, embarrassed about what he was going to say. "I...I see it in your eyes. It's the first time I've ever seen it in anyone's'..."
He meant it. Looking at Tony was the first time he had ever seen anyone thinking of him that he wasn't a monster and that he could be loved. It was brilliant. Banner stroked Stark's hair as he went to lie down next to him, giving a sweet kiss on his cheek.
"I love you too," he whispered into his ear.
Stark blushed a bit. He didn't think he had been that expressive in his eyes, but then again Bruce was probably the only person that could see past his businessman face or his jokes. Stark moved into the touch as he felt his body relaxing more and more.
"Bruce...will it get to a point that I will never see you again?" Tony asked fearing the answer. It was a sad topic, but Stark needed to know everything that was going to happen before he could just accept it.
Bruce remained silent, his expression turning sour thinking about it. He turned on the bed so his back was against the soft surface and stared at the ceiling. He didn't want to see the pain that he'd cause Tony again.
"It...depends," he said trying to make it sound as nice and convenient as possible. The real answer was already there, but he would sugar coat it as necessary as it would be for Tony to be comfortable. "It's the other guy's call. Surely he'll give me some time for myself. You'll be with me then."
"Bruce...don't you dare leave me here alone. Since having you here I've realized this bed is too big for one," Tony said with a small smile. Stark looked Bruce in the eyes with a sober expression. "Don't lie to me, if it's yes, it's yes and I prefer to know so when that day comes I'm not waiting for the next time I might get to see you."
Tony kissed the man gingerly before looking at him seriously again. "If the Hulk will do this for me, the last time he lets you out, have him tell you it's the last time. Spend the day with me, just like every other perfect day. Cuddle me like you do every night, giving me that warmth that makes me feel safe so we can fall asleep. Then when you wake up before me, like I know you will because you always do, I want you to remove the arc reactor from my chest."
"T-Tony...I-I can't do that," Bruce said as his tears ran down his face yet again that day. There was enough blood on his hands that he had to deal with. Taking the life from the one that gave him his own would be unbearable. He took Tony's hands and turned back over to kiss the man properly. "P-please Tony...Don't do that to yourself..."
"Bruce...I know it's an unfair request. More than unfair, it's cruel. But I don't want a life without you. What will there be left to do with my life? Protect the world as Iron Man? You are my world," he said with a sad smile. "I don't mind waiting for you as long as I get to see you again, one minute, one second. It's worth waiting. And I will wait and wait and wait for the next time I see you. But don't make me wait for a day that will never come."
Tony kissed the corners of the man's eyes, trying to stop him from crying. This was more than cruel. This was the most selfish thing Tony had ever done, but he couldn't handle it. Life before Bruce came was so dull. There was no real reason to live other than to invent and what inventions could he make when drunk out of his mind. "I'd rather shrapnel enter my heart than have to face the fact you're gone."
This was all too much to handle. Bruce stared at Tony, his lip quivering at the prospect of what he had to do. You're not only harming the man, Banner. You're killing him. You will literally be his death. Regret not leaving now you piece of shit!? The doctor clenched at his head, trying to make the voice go away. The fact was he would go down the road and believe it again. What it spoke was true, but he couldn't regret this. He could never regret being with the Tony Stark.
"O-okay...," he whispered, still pulling at his hair. Fresh tears fell down his cheeks as he placed his head on the man's chest. Everything seemingly unbearable.
Stark stroked the man's hair gently. It pained him to see Bruce so hurt, but this was important to him. "Thank you, Bruce. I'm so sorry to request this of you. But now I know as long as I live, I'll get to see you again."
Rubbing the man's back gently, Tony began to relax again. It wasn't long before he began to feel tired again. "I love you Bruce...What do you say if I don't have the biggest hangover in my life, we go to the lab and try to get some work done?"
"I love you too," Bruce whispered finally after loosening his grip on himself. He was breathing heavily and all the emotional stress he had that day was doing no favours for him. "I'd love to. Right now I think we could both use some rest."
He looked up at Stark with his sorrowful eyes and brushed the man's cheek again. All the life and emotions that were in his eyes would be taken away at his own hands. His body ached at the premise.
"Goodnight, Tony," he said giving the man a light kiss on the lips. Banner rolled over onto his back again and pulled Stark on top of him, wrapping his arms around him. He held onto what was dearest to him, unable to comprehend the fact that the man could be gone so instantaneously. Bruce closed his eyes as another tear escaped, rolling down his cheek slowly as he tried to sleep with his buzzing mind.
"Goodnight, Bruce." Tony listened to the man's heartbeat, allowing it to be a lullaby for him. One day, this would be gone. He wouldn't get to hear it. One day, he wouldn't get to feel his warmth or hear his voice. The most painful part of it all was Tony was going to miss Banner while he was still there. Even in the Hulk's hard gaze, Tony could still see Bruce in there. He knew Bruce was there. So close, but he couldn't touch him, or hear him, he was still so far away. Before Tony fell asleep another tear escaped his eye.