Rock-Bottom Runaway

Escape

The time came for Ross to give him temporary freedom, even though it was under surveillance and maximum security. They took Bruce out on a cold winter day, making sure his legs and arms were cuffed and an electrical unit was wrapped around his neck. He'd requested to see Tony at Stark Towers in New York. If anyone could help him, it would be his science bro.

The clock's tick filled the silent room as Tony sat facing Bruce, each on opposite couches. Banner thought Stark would be happier to see him, but his friend's lips were pressed into a hard line as they stared into eachother eyes. Bruce couldn't say a word until his supervisors were gone.
Moments passed. Tony eventually sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Hey Fellas, can we get some privacy in here?" Tony asked, clearly knowing the look on his best friend's face when it came to implying something.

"Negative. We must stay beside Banner in order of national securit-"

"Yeah yeah, because having two pathetic humans with pistols will definitely secure a huge rage monster." Tony complained with an eyeful. He stood up and walked over to them, retrieving a hunk of cash from one of his pockets. "An hour. Go buy yourselves something nice in the meantime." He said, slipping the money into both of their pockets.
They gave each other a glance, then grunted.

"One hour only. We won't be far."

A few minutes after they left had Bruce explaining to Tony everything he could remember, his tone and heart weeping with lament. Tony listened carefully. He had been told by Fury that the Hulk was responsible for killing Romanoff, but he believed his fellow scientist a lot more than the spy that had once used them to make and hide potential weapons.

"Tony, I need your help." Bruce finally said.

"Duh. Look at you, tied up in chains. Not cool." Tony smirked. Bruce tried to smile but it didn't work. "I can get you supplies, buddy. I'll give you a Quinjet, totally untraceable, a fake ID, enough food for a few weeks, clothes. Whatever you'll need. But I can't come with you."

"I understand..." Bruce leant forward, his eyes coated with shiny glass. "Thank you, Tony."

Bruce was taken to the lab to get the tracking chip removed from his arm and leg, then had all the cuffs and chains removed. Tony rushed, but luckily had a bag of supplies already packed for emergencies. He gave it to Bruce, along with some fresh food and the access codes to the Jet.

"Don't crash that baby. I worked pretty hard on her. She knows you." Tony said. Bruce raised an eyebrow.

"Knows me?" He asked.

"I always knew this type of scenario would come up, so I prepared for it. She even has a playlist for you, Beatles, Queen, Andrea Bocelli. Oh, one last thing." Tony handed Bruce a clamshell phone. "It can only call me, and the other Avengers. Don't overuse it or you could be traced, but I've managed to block the signal from the government."

Bruce took it, slid it into his back pocket, then finally let his broken tears out. He slammed himself into his best friend, wrapped his arms around him tightly and sobbed weakly. What would he do without him. Tony closed his eyes and hid his emotions as much as possible or else he would begin to cry too. He felt awful for his fellow scientist, and knew how shattered he felt. Tony wished that things would just get better for Banner.
Finally, they pulled back. Bruce managed to smile at Tony.

"We still have forty minutes until those two Ding-Dongs come back... How about we hit the lab - for old times sake?" Tony suggested, placing a hand on Bruce's shoulder to squeeze it lightly. And so they did. They had more fun than Bruce expected, and Tony actually got him to laugh a few times. They spoke, experimented, researched and bonded before it was time to go.

"Sir, Ross' security guards are entering the building to pick up Banner." F.R.I.D.A.Y. Spoke, making Tony sigh. Banner had already picked up his bag and prepared everything he needed.

"What about you? Will you be okay?" Bruce asked. Tony forced a weak smile.

"When have I ever not been okay. Don't answer that. I'll be fine, I'll get them off my back eventually. Stay safe out there, big guy."

"See you..." Bruce nodded. Tony nodded sadly and watched Bruce leave his sight. Bruce headed to the roof, found his allocated Quinjet and took off.