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Bruce watched the news with his head hung low. The Hulk…. The monster he was… had done so much damage in today's battle.
Hell, Hulk had even hurt one of his teammates. He knew Thor would recover, but it scared him that he was able to harm the god enough to be put out of commission for a few days.
Bruce wished there was some way to get away from all of this. The fighting, the hurting, the- the everything!
“It really does make you realize how dangerous you are, doesn’t it.” Bruce quickly stood up from his position on the couch and spun around to face the man who had spoken. Tony Stark.
Bruce had seen and even talked to the man at a few of the galas the Avengers were made to attend. “What do you mean?”
Stark chuckled. “I mean, if you're able to injure, possibly kill a god, well, it makes one wonder how they are able to control themselves. It must put a lot of stress on you…”
Bruce frowned. “It does… What are you doing here? How did you even get in?” Bruce was currently living on one of shields' many properties. For ‘safety.’ whether it was for his safety or that of others, he was sure he knew the answer.
The reclusive, if not creepy, billionaire, smirked. “I’m here to offer you a preposition. As for your other question, well, it's better not to think about it.”
Bruce frowned. “What kind of preposition?” Everyone who was anyone knew that you had to be careful when dealing with this man.
“You’re afraid Bruce. Don’t think people don’t see. Shield has used that fear against you, turning you into one of their puppets.”
“Being a puppet is far better than hurting people.”
Stark stepped closer. Bruce stepped back.
“What if you didn’t have to be a puppet? What if you could live without fear, Bruce? Stop putting people in danger?”
What was this man trying to say? “I would take the chance, I guess. What are you trying to do?” Stark chuckled again.
“I’m just trying to give you that chance Bruce. Do you know how many properties I have? All state of the art. You would be safe, and they would be too.”
Bruce was conflicted. This was what he needed. A safe place. But was it worth it? “What about the avengers?” He asked.
Stark carelessly shrugged. “I’m sure they would be fine. Probably even happy that their teammate, who never seems to be much help, was out of the way.”
Stark was right. They would be happy. But… This kind of stuff never came without a catch.
“What do you want in return?” Bruce asked, hoping it was nothing he couldn’t do.
“I don’t want to do anything other than to ensure your safety and happiness. Do you want to take the offer? It won’t be available for long.”
Bruce made up his mind and nodded. “Maybe…. Maybe this is what I need.”
Tony Stark smirked.
“Get your stuff ready, people will be here tomorrow to take it and you to your new residence. Trust me Bruce, you won’t regret this.”