It was storming outside. A pretty bad storm. The thunder almost rattled the windows and the lightening lit up the room. Bruce sat on the couch curled up in a blanket, reading a book. He had soft music drifting through and tea sitting on the table by him. The only thing missing was his boyfriend who refused to leave the room. Bruce tried for almost two hours to get him to come out. he just refused.
About a half hour later there was a big flash of lightening and loud thunder. Bruce looked up just in time to see a red ball of fluffy blanket. Tony came bolting out of the room and jumped onto Bruce's lap. Bruce was startled at first but then wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. Tony was shaking. Bruce rubbed his back trying to calm him down while telling him he's ok.
After a few minutes of trying to calm Tony down, Bruce finally got him to relax. They were both quiet just listening to the storm. Tony would flinch every time there was loud thunder or lightening. After a while, Tony finally said something. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Bruce asked softly.
"Hiding, running out and jumping on you, not speaking." Tony said, his voice muffled some from where it was buried in Bruce's neck.
"It's ok Tony. You don't have to apologize." Bruce told him.
"Do you know why I don't like storms?" Tony asked him moving his head to look up at him.
"Not really. I wasn't gonna ask I just thought you didn't like them. I didn't think there was a reason." Bruce replied. Tony took a deep breath then moved more so he could look at Bruce better.
"It's because of when I was kidnapped and kept in that cave. All my own weapons and such surrounding me. The only way for me to live was to make that bomb for the terrorists. I kept hearing different explosions and seeing flashes of light from different things they would use. So when I hear thunder, I think its the weapons exploding. When I see lightening, I think they returned to finish what they started." Tony explained to Bruce. While he was talking, he unconsciously lifted a hand, tapping a finger lightly to the surface.
"Tony I know it's hard to forget such things like that, but I want you to know that I'm here and I won't let anyone hurt you. Not again not as long as I can help it." Bruce told him, pulling him close. "I'm always going to be here for you Tones." Tony gripped the back of his shirt, holding onto him. Bruce kept him close, knowing he just wants to be protected.
It was after midnight when Tony went to sleep, still in Bruce's lap. Bruce stood up, picking Tony up with him, and started walking to the bedroom. Bruce laid Tony down on his side then crawled in behind him, pulling him into his chest. Tony snuggles in. Bruce kissed his temple making a promise to himself that he won't let anyone take him away or hurt him again. Bruce went to sleep holding Tony close and protected.
