Mischief on Midgard

Avengers Tower

Tony Stark could only sigh. Sigh very long and very deeply even as he poured a very healthy sized glass of brandy. Moments later he turned around and held the glass out to the blond God of Thunder currently lounging on his couch.

"Thank you, friend Stark," Thor said with a grin as he accepted the glass.

"Please just tell me there will be no more alien attacks okay?" Tony asked in a plaintive tone. "There's nothing you neglected to tell us? Right?"

The billionaire sounded like he was on the verge of tears and honestly, Thor couldn't really blame him. Thor was quiet for several moments as he looked at the contents of the glass. He then shook his head.

"No, it is as I informed you," Thor said carefully. "Malakith and his people have been dealt with."

Tony was silent as he looked Thor over and then frowned. He pointed an accusing finger at Thor.

"You hesitated! I asked you if you had neglected to tell us something, anything, and you hesitated!" he exclaimed as he threw up his hands.

"Friend Stark-" Thor tried to interject only to be cut off.

"Look! Listen. Just... listen alright? If there is some kind of inter-galactic war or whatever going on right now then just... just..." Tony sighed and practically deflated as he fell down onto the couch across from Thor. He groaned deeply in frustration as he rubbed at his face.

"You... do not look well my friend," Thor had to admit.

"He has had his own issues to deal with," the third and final person in the room piped up. One Bruce Banner.

"Please, don't remind me of it," Tony asked, a melancholic tone in his voice. True enough, the brilliant man looked beyond exhausted. The dark shadows under his eyes and haggard appearance spoke of recent hardships faced.

"Is it something that I can assist with?" Thor asked almost eagerly. These people had done so much for him. It was only right to return the favor in kind.

Bruce smirked and chuckled, more than a little bit amused by Thor's eagerness to help.

"It's over now Thor," Bruce said with a shake of his head, "you don't have to worry about it. The Mandarin has been dealt with."

"Ah... I see. I think," Thor frowned and leaned back in his seat, taking a sip of the drink Tony had handed to him. "How fare you then Doctor Banner? You at least seem to be doing well on this fine day."

Bruce smiled gently at the other man.

"Yeah... I... I spent such a long time being on the run," he admitted with a chuckle. His smile turned a touch embarrassed. Awkward. "This last year though. Heh. The thing is, it's hard to get used to not having to look over my shoulder every second of every day."

He looked down at his hands and clasped them together.

"It's funny ya know?" he started softly. "How you can get so used to having military and even tanks following you that you... you get paranoid when they aren't actually there."

"He still never leaves the tower though," Tony complained with a roll of his eyes. Bruce looked up and frowned at him. Tony tossed his head back and exclaimed in a louder voice so all could hear. "You never leave the tower, Bruce!"

"Yes I... I'm sorry, I should probably find a place for myself," Bruce apologized as he fixed his glasses. "I just... don't have a lot of money."

Tony smirked and waved his hand dismissively at the other man's worry over finances.

"I've already told you a thousand times now, you can live here for as long as you want. Heck, live here forever if you want. How many people can say that they have a HULK living in their tower huh?" he asked with a laugh. "I'll tell you, that kind of publicity is something no money can buy. Furthermore Doc, you know I employ researchers and I'd hire you on in a hot second if you're concerned about being a freeloader. You're the one being stupid enough to refuse good money."