Hulk Loves Tony Chapter 3 of ?
Chapter 3: Rhodey
I am going to try to update as often as possible. This chapter has a flashback back to Iron Man, the first movie. Also, vague references to torture and non-con. Nothing explicit. If in the future I have anything explicit, I will warn you.
In regards to the flashback, some of it will have things Tony would not have seen at the time, but he has JARVIS and is an excellent hacker and I believe he would review the footage of anything relating to a time he was vulnerable, because it would make him feel more in control.
I do not own iron man or the avengers or any of the characters.
~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~
To say Bruce Banner was overwhelmed would be an understatement. Four days. Four days he had been living in Tony Stark's Malibu mansion and he was lost. Again. "JARVIS. Which way to Tony's lab?"
"Turn left sir. Down the stairs and another left. Would you like a holographic representation?"
"No. Thank you. Sorry for asking again" A blush filled his cheeks that could have come from either embarrassment of being lost for the umpteenth time or from the fact that he just thanked a robot.
"Would you like me to inform Mr. Stark you are coming?"
"That's alright. I'll just knock." Bruce replied, following JARVIS's previous directions.
"The music is rather loud at the moment."
"Then I'll just walk in." Bruce replied exasperated.
"Very well sir."
Bruce found his way and let himself into Tony's lab. Over the music, he hollered. "Did you program JARVIS to argue?"
Tony glanced up from the three projects he was working on. "I suppose. I wanted him to challenge my mind, so I programmed in a learning curve module which theoretically allows him to argue. No idea where he got the sarcasm. If he annoys you, you could always mute him."
"Nah. You've been down here for two days now. It's kind of nice to have someone around. Well, not around, but there. Well not there, but-"
Tony snorted. "I get it. Sorry. I've been working."
"Yeah, but don't you sleep? Or eat?"
Tony shrugged off his concerns. "Sometimes. So, how do you like everything? Do you need any more equipment?"
"Of course I don't. You thought of everything, because you're you."
"Good." He smiled lightly, but went back to his work.
Trying to prolong the conversation, Bruce admitted. "I keep getting lost and have to ask for directions."
"Is that why you were arguing with JARVIS?"
"No. He wanted to tell you I was coming, but I like watching you work before I tell you I'm here and you get all tense again. If I don't tell you I get to see you relaxed and happy." Bruce replied very fast, still aggravated with JARVIS. Then he felt Tony starring at him and realized what he had said. "Oh. Um, no. What I meant was-"
Suddenly a pair of warm, soft lips met his own and Bruce stumbled back, shocked. Tony watched as Bruce turned bright red and retreated. "I have to go."
"Bruce! Wait!" Tony tried to call him back but it was too late, so he slumped to the floor instead. "Why did I do that? God. I'm so stupid."
"Sir? May I point out that your IQ-"
"Mute, JARVIS. Fuck! This is just like Rhodey all over again. Or Pepper. I could never be good enough for them, and I'll never be good enough for Bruce. I'm too broken...Too worthless..." Tony brought his legs up to his chest, laid his head on his knees and wrapped his arms around his body. He began to rock his body back and forth methodically. Hours later Bruce found him that way, completely shutting out the world around him. "Tony!"
But Tony couldn't hear him. He was far too gone by this point, trapped in his own mind. Overwhelmed by his own memories and the memories he had extrapolated as he watched through JARVIS's surveillance.
~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~~tonyandbruce~
Tony's mind could barely process the world around him. Running on autopilot, his world currently exists in barely formed, single word, thoughts.
Yinsen.
Gone.
Destroy.
Destroy.
Kill.
Fly.
Fly.
Fly.
Fl-Fall.
Crash.
Ow.
Ow.
OWWW!
Up.
Walk.
Walk.
Walk.
Walk.
Walk.
'Walk' dominated his thoughts for the next few hours, punctuated occasionally by 'ow' and 'sand' and then 'breathe' for a few minutes when a coughing fit took over.
Walk.
Walk.
Walk.
Helicopter.
Walk.
Wal- Suddenly Tony caught up with his brain. Helicopter. He had heard a helicopter. His mind went blank for a few minutes, before he started yelling and waving. The helicopter landed and Tony saw him, while flashing the peace sign.
Rhodey. A memory of a fight the two had before he was kidnapped flashed through his mind, followed by his comments about the fun-vee and the hum-drum-vee.
'Well. That was a stupid comment.' Tony thought vaguely as Colonel Rhodes ran towards him.
Tony cringed slightly as Rhodey asked. "How was the funvee?" Tony forced a laugh as the faces of the young soldiers dying flashed before his eyes. They boy who wanted the picture, Jimmy, telling him to stay put. Explosions all around him. HIS weapons killing everyone around him, blowing shrapnel into his chest.
The images fade away and Colonel Rhodes is in front of him again with a hand on his shoulder. "Next time you ride with me, okay?"
These words were the last straw. Not being able to hold it in anymore, he leaned into his friend's shoulder and sobbed quietly. Rhodey let him, barely holding back his own tears. After Tony regained his composure, Rhodey helped him to the helicopter, supporting most of his dead weight. "What the hell is that?" He asked suddenly.
Tony frowned and followed Rhodey's line of sight to his chest where it was glowing slightly. He sighed and ignored the question, attempting to maneuver around his pal and into the helicopter where he could finally rest. The colonel stopped him and carefully unbuttoned Tony's shirt. Tony shivered involuntarily as Rhodey's hand brushed against his skin. He took a deep breath, ready to explain the grotesque glowing light in his chest, but Rhodey beat him to it. "Is that an arc reactor?" Tony smiled, glad that Rhodey had an engineering background. "You'll tell me later." Rhodey said firmly, buttoning his shirt and securing him in the chopper.
Tony drifted into a light slumber as they flew over the dessert while Rhodey watched over him. As they neared the camp base, Rhodey shook Tony's shoulder gently in order to wake him. Tony's eyes sprung open as he jumped noticeably. He looked around wildly as Rhodey smiled reassuringly. "It's alright. You're safe Tony."
Tony's eyes settled on Rhodey and he laughed uneasily, mumbling. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" He sighed. "Sorry."
Rhodey narrowed his eyes. "Why in the world are you sorry?"
"Um... Because I practically jumped out of my skin when you woke me up. I was a complete ass right before I got captured. I got kidnapped by people using my own weapons against me. Innocent young soldiers were killed trying to protect me. And just for being a worthless, pathetic, piece of shit, who let evil men ra-hurt me." Towards the end of his tirade, Tony was practically screaming at Rhodey while the pilot glanced at them nervously. Then to complete his emotional roller coaster, he broke down in tears again. "I'm sorry. God, I'm so sorry."
Rhodey let him cry everything out on his shoulder again as he whispered reassurances. "None of this is your fault. You're not worthless or pathetic or a piece of shit. You are Tony. I know you. You did not LET anyone hurt you. They hurt you despite your strength and that's not your fault. I'm so sorry you were hurt, but you are safe now and everything will be okay. I promise."
Tony took the four minutes it took the helicopter to land, as a chance to compose himself. As he was helped out of the chopper, he whispered. "Thanks. And I'm sorry I cried all over you." Glancing away, he added, "Twice."
Rhodey smiled at him and joked. "Not like it's the first time."
Tony growled back in mock anger as he was lowered into a wheelchair. "It doesn't count if I am drunk."
"Does too."
"Does not."
"Does too"
"Whatever you say Rhodey."
"Damn right, whatever I say!"
Tony chucked and closed his eyes in exhaustion. "I missed you."
Rhodey's smile faded. "I missed you too. I'll be waiting for you. When you're done, we'll go home."
Tony nodded as the doctors wheeled him through two large white doors in order to be checked out.
An hour later, Rhodey stood as yelling that could only be Tony Stark was heard behind the doors. He approached them slowly, listening intently. "Doctor-Patient Confidentiality." Tony was saying firmly. "You will not tell a soul doctor. You can't. It's that simple."
"But, sir, you need-"
Tony interrupted, his voice taking on a dangerous quality that most would never associate with the billionaire. "Don't presume to tell me what I need. I know what I need and that is to go home, eat a cheeseburger, and sleep for four days. What you need is to mind your own damn business and keep your God damn mouth shut!"
Stepping through the doors and seeing Rhodey waiting for him,Tony smiled and approached him. Rhodey eyed the doctor and commented. "There is really no point in arguing with him. He is probably eight or nine steps ahead of you contemplating multiple different ways your conversation could go."
"But sir, he was-"
"If you utter one more word," Tony growled menacingly as he took a threatening step towards the doctor. "I will sue you and you should know that with the lawyers I have, you'll be lucky to be able to perform an operation on a lizard's balls when they're through." Turning and seeing Rhodey's questioning look, he added. "He seems to think he knows more about the device in my chest than I do. Seeing as I built it, I highly doubt that."
The doctor glared at Tony, opened his mouth to argue, but wisely shut it again and scowled. Tony relaxed marginally. "Can we go home now?"
Rhodey nodded and smiled politely at the doctor. "He probably knows more about the device in his chest than anyone on the planet." The doctor stormed away in frustration. "Well you pissed him off. Are you alright to fly home?"
"Of course I pissed him off have you met me. And I'm fine for flight Rhodey. Thanks for staying and waiting for me." Tony said the last sentence quietly, a hint of disbelief filling his statement.
Rhodey narrowed his eyes, his temper flaring from lack of sleep and holding back his emotions so he could look for Tony. "I told you I would."
"I know, but-"
"You didn't think I'd stay." He finished for him.
"I did. I just, I don't know." Tony floundered for an explanation, feeling sick to his stomach as Rhodey got angrier.
"Well, good to see you are as insecure and trusting as ever." Tony flinched as if he had been hit and Rhodey started to storm off.
Tony ran to catch up with him, wincing in pain with every step." Intellectually, I knew you would, but I'm not good with this stuff and I'm exhausted and God Rhodey. Please slow down. I can't keep up with you right now. Fuck" Tony bent over in pain as Rhodey stopped, looking regretful.
"I'm sorry. Are you alright?"
"Yeah, sure, I'm fine. Just splitting pain."
"I'm sorry. Sit down. Do you want me to get the doctor."
"Fuck no. That's the last thing I want." Tony smirked after the pain subsided. "I'm glad you stayed. That's all I was trying to say."
"Okay" Rhodey pointed at the wheelchair. "Would you get in already?" When Tony opened his mouth to argue, he added. "Or we could just stay here until you heal." Tony immediately sat in the chair. "That's what I thought." Tony was silent as he starred out the window the entire flight home. Rhodey watched him worriedly. Finally, they touched down. He rolled Tony to the edge of the plane and helped Tony up when he attempted to stand. "I'm sorry I got mad." Rhodey murmured as he helped him walk.
"It's alright."
"No it isn't. It's been a long few months without you. I took my frustration and exhaustion out on you, when you are the last person I should be angry with. I'm glad your home and safe and I really am sorry." Tears formed in his eyes as he tried to explain.
Tony touched his cheek gently and wiped away a tear. "Hush. It's fine. I can never stay mad at you." He smiled lightly. "See you later, man." Tony dismissed the EMTs and entered his limousine.
'Of course Pepper assumed he wanted sex. That's who he was right? A man whore.' Tony inwardly cringed and sarcastically thought. 'Sex. Yea. That's exactly what I want. I was fucking kidnapped for months and-and-and-and r-damn I can even think the word let alone say it.' He joined the conversation again. "It's not what you think. I want a press conference."
She looked even more shocked at that suggestion, but arranged it anyway. Days later, Tony was in his house alone, having sent Pepper and Happy home, when he sank to the floor in front of his couch.
"Are you alright, sir?" JARVIS inquired.
Tony did not answer because of course he wasn't. His eyes closed and he started shaking. He pulled his knees to his chin and wrapped his arms around his legs.
"Sir? Would you like me to call someone for assistance?"
Again, Tony remained silent, but tears began to fall in a steady stream down his face as he shook his head back and forth trying to fight away his memories.
Colonel sat in his car debating whether or not to go and knock on Tony's door. Deciding Tony probably wanted to be left alone, he started his car and put it in gear. Then his phone rang. Seeing Tony Stark on the caller ID, Rhodey figured he had been spotted. He turned off the car and got out, answering as he did. "Tony. I was just com-"
JARVIS's voice interrupted. "Colonel Rhodes?"
"JARVIS" Rhodey stopped mid-step in confusion.
"Mr. Stark seems to be in distress. He will not answer my multiple attempts to determine his well being. You are the top contact on his phone, and as I am prohibited from calling emergency services unless specifically directed to do so-"
Rhodey hung up and ran the rest of the way to the door. Finding it locked, he yelled. "JARVIS, let me in."
The lock clicked and JARVIS's voice chimed. "Behind the couch, sir."
Rhodey ran over and found Tony rocking back and forth. "Tony?" he asked cautiously, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.
The reaction was instantaneous. Tony screamed and scrambled back as if he had been burned. He pressed himself into the wall. "No. No, please. No. No. No. No. No..." He continued mumbling and curled even further around himself.
Rhodey stood in shock until JARVIS spoke. "Sir. Mr. Stark's heart-rate has increased drastically and his breathing is shallow."
Rhodey shook himself. "I know JARVIS. He's having a panic attack or a flashback or both." He approached slowly this time, getting down on his knees. "Tony. It's me. It's Rhodey. You're safe" Tony stopped mumbling and opened his eyes. Rhodey barely managed to keep his voice even when he saw those eyes. Tony's eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep and red from crying, but they also looked dead. "It's safe Tony. You're with me, at your house. Everything is fine."
Tony's voice was hoarse when he finally spoke. "No. It's not." He uncurled himself. "They-they-" he paused before continuing. "Hurt me. And I'm so screwed up."
"No. You are not." Rhodey enunciated each word firmly. "You can get through this. You will get through this. Everything will be fine."
Tony exploded. "Nothing's ever going to be fine! I can't eat. I can't sleep. I can barely function without screaming every time I'm around people. I cringe when people touch me. I can hardly be around Pepper, or Happy, or-or you. All I can think about is...is..." Tony closed his eyes. Rhodey placed a hand on his knee soothingly. He was not prepared when Tony jumped halfway across the room. Nor was he expecting Tony to turn slightly green and bolt to the bathroom, slamming and locking the door behind him.
"Tony! Tony! Look at me! Please! JARVIS, how long has he been unresponsive?" Bruce waited but there was no answer. "Unmute JARVIS!" Bruce yelled in exasperation.
"He has been in this state since you left earlier sir. So, three hours, fifty-one minutes, and 32...33...34 seconds and counting." Bruce winced at the implication but pushed it aside.
"Tony! Please. I'm sorry. It's Bruce. Come back to me. You're safe. Everything's fine." No reponse. "Has this happened before JARVIS?"
"Many times sir."
"Does he have medicene? Does it usually last this long? I need more information."
"He has pills in the top left drawer of his desk." Bruce ran to get them as JARVIS continued. "He hates to be touched in this state. His attacks don't usually last this long, but they have in the past. Would you like the averages for the length of tim-"
"Mute JARVIS! Tony. I have your pills. I have to touch you. I'm sorry if I scare you." Bruce took a deep breath and gently pulled Tony's arms away form his body, following when Tony squirmed away screaming. He gently pushed the pills between Tony's lips and made him swallow. Slowly, Tony calmed down. He opened his eyes. He starred at Bruce uncomprehendingly for a few minutes before he croaked. "You came back?"