Correspondence, 1991-2006
October 1993
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 22:15, October 5, 1993
Re: LA
I’m sorry about the sheriff. Wish I could have come to the funeral. If I hadn’t been at a demo, I would have. I hope you know that. How are E and J holding up?
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 22:57, October 5, 1993
Re: Re: LA
I know you would have been there if you could. We’re all doing okay. The U gave me some time off, and I think I might look for a position closer to home, try to be there for E. J’s buried herself in her school work. It’s hit her pretty hard, but you know how she felt about the sheriff.
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 11:31, October 6, 1993
Re: Re: Re: LA
Stark Industries is always hiring bright young things. We have an office in LA.
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 12:02, October 6, 1993
Re: Re: Re: Re: LA
Not really interested in building weapons, but thanks for the offer.
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 12:12, October 6, 1993
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: LA
Offer’s always open.
Tony shuts down the window and makes sure he’s logged off the secure server. Maybe they’re both being a little paranoid, but he’s got paparazzi breathing down his neck most of the time, and he’s worked overtime to give them something to talk about other than his past.
The tragedy of his parents’ deaths, and his own meteoric rise to head of Stark Industries, means that anything that happened before December 17, 1991, has been effectively wiped out. They talk about his brilliance, and the fact that he graduated summa cum laude from MIT, and his womanizing and partying.
Nobody looks below the surface, and Tony’s going to keep it that way.
February 2000
Bruce stares at Tony’s latest email and wonders how he’s supposed to respond. How is he supposed to tell his ex-boyfriend that he’s met someone new?
“Right,” he mutters. “Hi, I met someone new, her name is Betty, and I think I might be falling in love.”
They aren’t together, and God knows Tony hasn’t exactly been celibate, but this situation feels different. One night stands versus a serious relationship? He’s not sure how Tony’s going to respond, or even how to broach the subject in the first place.
Bruce closes down the window, deciding to put it off for a while.
“Hey.” Betty emerges from his bedroom, wearing his discarded shirt and nothing else. “What are you doing up?”
“Just sending an email,” Bruce replies.
Betty frowns. “So late?”
“A colleague had a question, and I couldn’t sleep,” Bruce says, wondering what she’d say if he told her the truth, that when he was fifteen, he met Tony Stark and fell in love with him. He wonders what Betty would say if he told her that they’d spent over a month in Europe together, and the only reason they’d broken up was because neither of them were willing to come out.
Or what she’d say if he told her that there’s a part of him that will always love Tony.
He’s not going to say any of that, of course.
“So dedicated,” Betty teases him. “That will take you far.”
“Too bad the funding seems to be drying up for radiation research,” Bruce replies, pushing back from the desk.
Betty sits in his lap. “There’s an opportunity I wanted to bring up. It’s back at Culver. I know you’ve said how much you enjoyed your time there.”
“And what does this particular opportunity entail?” Bruce asks, settling his hands on her hips.
“Faculty positions, plus a special research project,” Betty replies. “It’s classified, and you’ll have to have to sign a nondisclosure agreement.”
Bruce frowns. “That sounds ominous.”
“It’s the Army,” Betty replies with a laugh. “You know how they are about secrets.”
“I can guess, although I have no personal experience,” Bruce says.
“I know you’re wary, but the potential is amazing. This project could save lives,” Betty says. “And it could just be the beginning.”
“That sounds amazing,” Bruce admits.
Betty gives him a kiss. “So, you’ll think about it?”
“Definitely,” Bruce replies. “I’ll come back to bed as soon as I finish this email, okay?”
“Don’t be too long,” she says and disappears into the bedroom.
Bruce opens the window again and quickly types out an email.
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 1:44, February 23, 2000
Re: [no subject]
I need you to check on something for me with your military contacts. I’m being recruited for a secret project involving radiation at Culver. I don’t know more, because I have to sign an NDA before I can be read in. Any help would be appreciated.
He’s not surprised when a reply hits his in-box just a few minutes later.
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 1:49, February 23, 2000
Re: Re: [no subject]
I’ll look into it and call you tomorrow on a secure connection. 10 pm, be alone.
Bruce sends back a quick, “Will do,” and then goes to bed.
The next night, he turns down an evening with Betty citing a need to grade the latest batch of quizzes, which is exactly what he does right up until 10, when his computer chimes with an incoming secure video conferencing call.
Bruce hits accept, and Tony’s face fills the screen. “What have you gotten yourself into, Brucie?”
He laughs, because it’s always a pleasure to see Tony, even if it’s not in person. “You tell me. If you can’t find the answers, they’re not there to find.”
“Oh, I have answers,” Tony replies. “At least I know that General Thaddeus Ross is running a new project out of Culver University, one that requires an expert in gamma radiation, and an expert in cellular biology.”
“I knew that already,” Bruce says. “They came to me.”
Tony snorts. “There’s that strut I knew you had. Knowing what I know about some of the other projects that Ross has worked on, and your expertise, I’m guessing that he’s trying to resurrect the super soldier program.”
“That’s more than just an educated guess,” Bruce replies.
Tony shrugs. “That information is also classified.”
“Come on, Tony,” Bruce says. “If I’m going to even consider turning to the dark side, I need to know what I’m getting myself into.”
Tony’s expression turns serious. “Don’t. The super soldier program eats people alive.”
“That’s what she meant,” Bruce murmurs. “About the potential to save lives.”
Tony’s gaze is sharp. “Let me guess, Betty Ross told you that. How long have you two been dating?”
Bruce doesn’t bother trying to lie. “A few months. How did you know?”
“You’re considering an offer to work on an Army project when you’ve turned down every single opportunity I’ve ever thrown out there,” Tony says. “General Ross’ daughter? That takes cajones.”
Bruce winces. “Tony…”
“Just one question.”
Bruce nods warily. “Shoot.”
“Are you happy?”
Bruce huffs out a laugh. “Yeah, I am.”
“That’s all I need to know,” Tony replies. “Just—think twice before you do this.”
“Why do you think I called you?” Bruce asks. “Thanks.”
“Any time,” Tony says. “Now, let’s get down to the real subject of tonight’s call. Did you get the equations I sent you?”
“I did,” Bruce admits. “But I’m not doing your homework for you.”
“Come on, this is right up your alley,” Tony cajoles. “I will pay you our standard consulting fee.”
“I don’t have a standard fee,” Bruce objects.
Tony spins in his chair. “Then I’ll pay you Stark Industry’s standard fee. I know your grant runs out soon.”
Bruce frowns. “I’m not a charity case.”
“No, you’re not. If you were, I’d cut you a check, which I am very good at,” Tony shoots back. “Instead, I’m asking for your help to figure out how this asshole is trying to sell me a bill of goods, because this looks too good to be true, and I need another pair of eyes.”
Bruce has no idea why he’s arguing, but he feels honor bound to do it. “You could do that.”
“I’m a very busy man,” Tony says. “And this is actually perfect. I get to call you an unnamed consultant.”
“Think this secret agent stuff is ever going to pay off?” Bruce asks wryly.
Tony smirks. “It’s paying off right now, since I’m seeing your smiling face.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Bruce orders. “I’ll take a look at it. I should know something in a few days.”
“You’re the best,” Tony says. “I’ll call you in a couple of days, same Bat Time, same Bat Channel.”
Tony’s image winks out, and Bruce blows out a breath. The truth is, he could use a little extra cash right now, and he’d peeked at the files Tony sent. It looks interesting, and he’s curious, as Tony probably knew he would be.
Anybody who stumps Tony, even for a minute, is probably someone who should be watched carefully.
March 2000
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 7:46, March 2, 2000
Re: [no subject]
I’ve decided to take the job.
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 9:12, March 2, 2000
Re: Seriously, don’t.
I thought you were going to think twice about this.
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 9:14, March 2, 2000
Re: Re: Seriously, don’t.
I thought about it a lot. Don’t be this way, T. You know you’re not objective when it comes to the super soldier program.
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 9:21, March 2, 2000
Re: Re: Re: Seriously, don’t.
I have experience, remember? Objectivity isn’t always required.
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 9:37, March 2, 2000
Re: It’s done.
I signed the contract already. We’re moving in June. I’d send you my new address, but since you’re stalking me, I doubt I’ll need to.
“Fuck,” Tony snarls. Bruce isn’t wrong—he’s not objective about this—but it feels as though Bruce is using what he knows about Tony as a weapon to win this argument.
And maybe it’s Tony’s fault for arguing in the first place, but he’s seen where the super soldier program leads. He’d rather put his faith in bombs and bullets, because people always let you down.
He just wishes Bruce would fucking listen to him, but it looks like he’s lost that privilege, too.
September 2003
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 19:04, September 14, 2003
Re: This is getting embarrassing.
You do realize that I have a job, right? One that keeps me very busy. I can’t keep doing your homework for you.
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 20:11, September 14, 2003
Re: Re: This is getting embarrassing.
I’m asking for a favor. Please. Pretty please.
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 20:23, September 14, 2003
Re: Begging is not becoming.
I thought you never begged.
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 20:38, September 14, 2003
Re: Re: Begging is not becoming.
I think you know differently. Come on, B.
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 21:03, September 14, 2003
Re: Re: Re: Begging is not becoming.
Fine. I want my regular fee.
From: AES
To: RBB
Date: 21:07, September 14, 2003
Re: Re: Re: Re: Begging is not becoming.
When do I skimp on your fee? Saving up for your wedding?
From: RBB
To: AES
Date: 22:00, September 14, 2003
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Begging is not becoming.
Not in a hurry to get there. Call me in a few days, and I’ll have your answers.
May 2006
Tony probably looks forward to his calls with Bruce a little more than is healthy, but Bruce is the only person in the world who is Tony’s friend without business being involved.
Except when Tony brings it up, but he figures that’s one way to keep Bruce in his life. Maybe that’s the only way to keep Bruce in his life.
Tony will do whatever it takes.
“Tell me you have something for me,” Tony says as soon as Bruce answers his call.
“How many people are on your payroll?” Bruce asks, sounding exasperated.
Tony offers his most charming grin. “Too many to count, but you’re the smartest guy I know.”
Bruce rolls his eyes. “I do have a day job, and I’m kind of under the gun right now.”
“Anything I can help with?” Tony asks.
“The Army is going to pull our funding if we don’t come up with results,” Bruce replies. “Preferably yesterday.”
Tony winces. “I’m sorry to bother you then.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Bruce says with a genuine smile. “Your call is the best thing to happen to me today.”
“Now you’re just sweet talking me,” Tony teases. “How’s Betty?”
Bruce shrugs. “Fine. Still working on a solution.”
There’s something in his expression that worries Tony, and he says, “Promise you’ll call me before you do anything drastic.”
“Tony—”
“I’m serious,” Tony insists. “Promise me.”
“I promise,” Bruce says. “Look, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
Tony doesn’t try to keep him, although he’s worried. He’s made his feelings about the project very clear, and Bruce has ignored him.
Granted, Tony isn’t exactly objective when it comes to the super soldier program, but he’s watched Bruce gradually get more and more obsessed over the last few years. Tony’s only claim on Bruce at the moment is their shared history and the little side jobs he’s been having Bruce do.
Tony can’t help but feel that he’s losing Bruce, and he just wants to hold on that much tighter, even if it’s a bad idea.
He does what he always does when he needs a distraction—he buries himself in engine parts and ignores the rest of the world.
Pepper enters his workshop while he’s still waiting for Bruce’s call a couple of days later. Bruce is clearly not in a hurry to make a decision, or put Tony out of his misery.
“You missed a meeting,” she announces, sounding annoyed.
“I’m not interested in meetings,” Tony says. “I’m waiting for an important call.”
“They can leave a message,” Pepper replies, exasperated. Tony has the sudden thought that she and Bruce would probably get along really well. “It’s the board.”
“And I own a controlling share of the company, so they technically work for me,” Tony says dismissively. “This is important.”
“The board meetings are important,” Pepper insists. “And they don’t work for you, and you know it.”
Tony waves. “Send me the minutes.”
“Tony!”
Tony turns to look at her. “Pepper, please. This really is important. I’m waiting for a phone call, and I need to be here when it comes in.”
Pepper sighs. “Is there anything I need to do?”
“It’s a personal matter,” Tony insists.
“I wish you’d tell me what’s going on,” Pepper complains. “You haven’t been yourself the last few days.”
Tony turns back to his engine. “And once I take this phone call, I promise I’ll be back to normal.”
“You’ve never been normal,” Pepper replies, but she sounds fond. “Tell me if you need anything.”
“Always!” Tony calls, and breathes a sigh of relief when she leaves.
He knows he can trust Pepper, but he has a habit of secrecy where it concerns Bruce, and he’s not inclined to drop it now.
As far as Pepper knows, Tony will fuck anything in a metaphorical skirt. No one knows he occasionally bats for the other team.
Well, that he batted for the other team once, but he’d go back in a heartbeat if Bruce called.
He’s actually napping on the couch later that evening when JARVIS wakes him. “Sir, you have a phone call from Dr. Banner.”
“I’m awake,” Tony says, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “Put it on the screen.”
Bruce’s face fills the monitor. “For the record, this is not drastic.”
“The fact that you led with that tells me you’re probably wrong,” Tony says, getting to his feet and moving closer to the camera. He glances at the clock, and it’s just after 10 pm, their usual time for phone calls. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to try it out on myself,” Bruce admits. “I know this is going to work, Tony. I know I’ve got this.”
Tony’s voice is sharp as he asks, “Are you insane?”
“You can’t tell me you wouldn’t do the same if you knew it was going to work,” Bruce says, and Tony can see that he looks incredibly tired.
“Have you tried it on anybody else?” Tony demands. “No? Then you don’t know.”
“What? You don’t trust me?” Bruce asks. “I know what I’m doing!”
Tony glares. “You’re panicking, and you want this to work, which is different than knowing it will!”
“The Army wants results, and I can get them,” Bruce protests. “It’s not ready for human trials, and I wouldn’t ask anybody else to volunteer, but I can do it.”
“So, what?” Tony asks, hearing the bitterness in his own voice. “You won’t agree to work for Stark Industries because we make weapons, but you’ll willingly agree to make yourself into one?”
“I think you know me better than that,” Bruce snaps, his face darkening in anger. “And your bombs don’t discriminate, Tony. At least my work will protect people. It’s protecting soldiers. I would think you’d be in favor of that.”
“You don’t think that’s what I’m doing?” Tony asks, his voice rising. “Our weapons make the world a better place! And I don’t think you can afford to get on your high horse about defense contracts. You’re dating one.”
Bruce makes an angry noise. “That’s what you think I’m dating Betty for? Her contacts to General Ross?”
“That certainly didn’t hurt,” Tony snaps. “You dated me, didn’t you?”
“We never dated,” Bruce replies. “We fucked. A lot. And if you think we did that much just because of who you are, you don’t know me all that well, do you?”
Tony feels a rising panic. “Bruce—that’s not what I meant. You know that.”
“I’m doing this,” Bruce says coldly. “I have to do this. I don’t expect you to understand.”
“Think about this!” Tony says.
Bruce shakes his head. “It’s all I’ve been thinking about for the last few days. I’ll be fine. I’ll let you know how it turns out.”
Bruce ends the call then, and Tony wants to call him back. He wants to get on a flight to Virginia now and physically stop him. Tony wants to kidnap Bruce until he comes to his senses.
Tony doesn’t do any of those things, because Bruce has made his choice, and for whatever reason, Bruce thinks what they had meant nothing.
He’ll regret that decision for years afterward, of course, but hindsight is always twenty-twenty.