Part 3 - BruceI took creative licensing a bit with where he's been since Avengers. It's a fanfiction. Sue me.

I can't tell you how much it burns just having this sit here for an entire week. I'm one of the people who likes to post as soon as write. 

Anyway, glad to have this out there.

Enjoy!

~TH~

Bruce was reading in Tony's large library. The billionaire much preferred to read on his phone or tablet so Bruce wasn't really sure why he had such a big library. He was thankful none the less, as reading on a screen for too long gave him headaches.

He had been living in the Tower since New York. Most of the Avenger's split off to live their own lives, but Bruce wasn't really sure what his "own life" was. When Tony had offered a room, well, floor of the Tower, Bruce had agreed.

He was often there alone, but since Tony's Malibu mansion had been destroyed (a very stressful week for everyone) Tony and Pepper had moved back into the Tower. Bruce was thankful for the company.

"Doctor Banner, Master Stark requires immediate assistant downstairs," Jarvis said, startling the scientist.

"Where?" He said rising.

Bruce didn't waste any time. Last time he had gotten a request like that, he had found Tony surrounded by broken bottles with numerous lacerations. Tony had been doing much better lately, but it was still concerning anytime Jarvis requested assistance.

"The workshop."

Bruce was already on the elevator.

The doors slid open and he made his way into Tony's private workshop.

The billionaire was standing beside his desk, his hands tightly clenched and pulling at his hair. His breaths were coming in quick, short gasps.

Bruce reaches him just as his knees gave way. He caught Tony, lightly calling his name.

Bruce slowly helped him to the couch in the corner, setting him down and sitting beside him.

The inventor's face was in his hands and he was more distressed than Bruce had seen in a while.

He rubbed Tony's back soothingly.

"It's okay, " he whispered. "It's over. You're here with me, Bruce, in your Tower. You'll be okay. You're done. You're safe. Just breathe. That right, breathe."

The billionaire's panicked breathing slowed, but he didn't raise his head.

Bruce kept murmuring and rubbing his back.

Finally, the man looked up. Bruce was slightly surprised to see the tear tracks on the man's face.

"Tony, it's okay. You're safe, I'm safe, Pepper's safe. It's okay."

Tony shook his head. "You don't know, do you?"

Bruce looked into the painfilled eyes of his friend. "Know what, Tony?"

"He-he," The inventor stopped, trying to collect his thoughts and words, "he's dead."

Bruce felt like someone punched him in the gut. "Who?"

"Steve, " it came out in a whisper. "Fury too." This was barely audible to the scientist who just stared.

"H-how?"

Tony started patting himself down. Bruce realised he was looking for his phone and went over and got it.

The billionaire hit a few buttons before handing the phone back to Bruce.

He read the article, working to calm the Monster raging in the back of his head.

When he finished he looked up at Tony. Mouth slightly open.

"We-"

The phone in Bruce's hand started ringing. They both stared at the phone for several minutes before Tony grabbed it.

"Stark." Was all he said. Still not in control of his voice.

Bruce watched his eyes widen and mouth open.

"You're sure?"

A couple of moments of silence.

"We're on our way."

Tony ended the call and stood up, heading for the elevator.

"Tony?" Bruce asked, following.

The inventor didn't slow down. "That was Natasha. They found him. He's alive."

That was all he said.

But it was enough.

~TH~

Be sure to leave a comment!

Next week, Thor. He's a bit of a tough one, but I think I came up with a reasonable story... I hope...

God bless,
Jamie