The Return
Bruce looks up at Stark Tower and sighs softly. He wonders if this was a good idea and if it was too late to turn back. He shakes his head. ‘No, I have to do this.’ He thinks to himself before walking inside. Inside, Pepper was talking to some employees when she spots Bruce. “Bruce Banner.” She greets politely. Bruce jumps slightly but turns to face her.
“Ms. Potts.” He nods at her fidgeting slightly. “U-uh can I speak to Tony? Uh- I mean Mr. Stark?” Bruce winces as Pepper’s face darken slightly.
“You may but I doubt he’ll be able to speak.” Pepper says shortly. Bruce looks at her in confusion. She motions for him to follow her and walks to the company’s car. They both got in and Pepper instructs Happy to the hospital. Bruce fidgets nervously.
“Uh. Ms. Potts? Why is Tony- Mr. Stark I mean, in the hospital?” He asks quietly. Pepper looks at him in disbelief before gaining a look of understanding.
“You haven’t heard of the accords or the ‘Civil War’ have you?” Pepper asks calmly. Bruce shakes his head and Pepper begins to explain what happened. Bruce listens and a sense of dread sat in chest as she spoke. Before Pepper could finish, they arrived at the hospital. They both got out and walks inside after thanking Happy. “Tony Stark please.” Pepper tells the receptionist who gives them a key to the room. They walk in silence to Tony’s room. Bruce’s eyes widen at the sight of Tony hooked up to machines.
“Wh-what happened..?” Bruce whispers in shock. Pepper frowns and points at the ground a bit away from Tony’s bed.
“That happened. Steve Rogers happened.” Pepper growls. Bruce looks at where she was pointing and looks on in shock at the shield on the ground.
“What did he do..” Bruce whispers as he stumbles into a seat.
“He slammed his shield into Tony’s chest. Multiple times.” Pepper says shortly.
“Isn’t that shield made of Vibranium..?” Bruce asks still in shock as to what had happened to his friend. Pepper nods. “Didn’t he know that could have killed Tony? What was he thinking? Why did he do that?!” Bruce asks gripping his chair.
“James Barnes.”
“Who?”
“James Barnes. He was Rogers’ friend in the 40’s. He fell from a train and was found by HYDRA. They brainwashed him and created the Winter Soldier. Once Rogers found out he started trying to find his friend and he did.” Bruce’s head was spinning from the information he was given.
“What does that do with Tony?” He asks quietly dreading the answer.
“The Winter Soldier killed Tony’s parents. Rogers knew for almost two years and didn’t tell him. He found out from a video in Siberia.”
“So he attacked James?”
“No, he attacked Rogers because he knew.”
“And Rogers hit him with the shield...in the chest..a normal person..against both Vibranium and superhuman strength.” Pepper nods and Bruce took a deep breath. “All because Rogers didn’t agree with the accords and for his friend..?” She nods again. “Can I see the accords?”
“I’ll give them to you once we return to Stark Tower.”
“Thank you.” Bruce nods at her before turning back to Tony. “C-can I have a moment alone with Tony? Please?” Pepper watches him silently before nodding and leaving. Once she was gone, tears slip down Bruce’s face. “Oh gods, Tony I’m so sorry..” He begins to cry. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you and that I just left after the Ultron incident..but that witch..it made everything to much..” He says softly then chuckles. “That’s no excuse..though.” He gently takes Tony’s hand. “You’re the strongest avenger Tony..you’ve been pushed and beaten but you still made it through. No training, no enhancements..it was all purely you. Your genius, your technology..your willpower. It’s truly a sight to behold.” He sighs softly as he slowly opens his eyes not realizing he had closed them. He stares into tired brown eyes. “Tony..?”
Tony smiles a bit. “H-hey Brucie Bear..” He says softly attempting to sit up only for Bruce to stop him.
“Stay down, you need your rest.” Bruce says firmly. Tony shakes his head.
“Bruce, I have work to do..”
“You need to recover.”
“Bruce..”
“Tony.” They stare at each other before Tony groan and lays back. “Thank you.”
“So, what got you to come back to New York?” Tony asks watching him.
“I-I wanted to apologize and rekindle our friendship. I’m so sorry that I left you alone after the Ultron incident-” Tony waves him off.
“I heard your speech..I..I can’t say I forgive you..yet..” Tony hesitates looking at Bruce. Bruce nods in understanding. “But I’m sure we can work out something..” Tony smiles brightly making Bruce smile back.
“Yeah, I’ll make sure to visit you. I’m going to talk to Ms. Potts about the Accords. I’m here for you Tony..and..I’m not going to leave you again..” Bruce promises but Tony has already fallen asleep. Bruce walks out of the room quietly and looks at Pepper. “So..the Accords?” Bruce asks.
“Of course, please follow me.”