Chemistry

Tony - Homewards

When I looked at him, I saw it, and I think he saw it in me too. He stood and walked over to me, and put his arms around me gently, and just held me. I broke down, in tears. All the hiding and lying could end now. I felt safe for the first time in a very long while. I could feel his unsteady breathing, as if he was almost in tears. I put my arms around him, and held on to him. We stayed that way for what felt like an hour. Then, he softly released me, from his grip and as he did I realized just how tired I felt, I wasn't used to the toll emotions can take on me and just how much I loved and needed him right now. And then, I lay back down, smiling to myself. 'No more hiding' I thought. And then I fell asleep.

~~~Dreams~~~

In a media conference

"Tony! Is it true that you are secretly gay?" another flash, another microphone shoved close to my face.

"Is it true that Pepper Potts is no longer your love interest?" another microphone, another flash.

''Mr Stark! Can you comment on Mr Banner's well being at this time?" another camera pushed into my face, where was Happy?

''Is it true that Mr Banner is possibly dying?'' why were they saying these things? I need to get out, I could feel the panic rising in my chest. I spotted Bruce.

With a gun to his temple.

His face red and bruising.

''...'' I open my mouth but no words come out, and then I can't see him. Swarmed by reporters and journalists... and then I black out.

~~~Reality~~~

''AGHHHH!!!'' I'm cold and sweating, but I can see, I can see Bruce just walking in, I remember where I am. I'm still breathing heavily when Bruce and the Doctor rush over. Bruce puts his arm around me in a protective way that isn't obvious. He rubs my back as the Doctor makes sure everything is okay.

The doctor then asked if he could speak to Bruce outside, and I started to panic, but Bruce gave my hand a reassuring squeeze and handed me a bag of clothes, smiled and followed the doctor out. When they didnt come back for a while and I was dressed, I went to the door and walked out of the room. The conversation had just ended.

3 minutes later and we were walking out of the hospital, to my car.

'Hey Tony?'

I looked up at Bruce, he was the other side of the car, looking right at me. I nodded as if to recognize him calling me. 'Tony, when we get home, we need to talk.'