Bruce Banner

Tony Stark, the billionaire inventor, stood before him, his signature grin still plastered across his face Tony raised an eyebrow, that same cocky grin never leaving his face.

"Guilty as charged."

Stark replied, his tone casual, as if they were meeting over coffee rather than after a harrowing escape from the military.

"I figured it was about time we met, seeing you have been doing the whole 'running from the government' thing."

Banner's mind raced. Of all the people he could have imagined behind the armor, Tony Stark wasn't one of them.

"Why?" Banner asked, his voice low.

"Why did you save me?"

Stark's grin softened slightly, his expression becoming more serious.

"Because you're not the monster Ross thinks you are. You're a brilliant scientist, Bruce. And right now, you need someone in your corner who can keep you safe."

Stark crossed his arms, his gaze steady.

"Besides, I've been keeping tabs on you for a while. You're not the only one with an interest in gamma radiation."

Banner shook his head, still struggling to process it all.

"And what? You think I'm just going to trust you?"

Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I'm not asking for blind trust, Bruce. I know how this looks. But Ross isn't going to stop hunting you. You need to lay low, and regroup. And I have the resources to make that happen."

There was a long pause as Banner considered Stark's words. The last few years had taught him not to trust anyone easily, but he also knew that Stark was one of the few people who might understand the complexities of his situation. Stark had no allegiance to the military, no hidden agenda—or at least, none that Banner could see.

Banner finally exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

 "Alright. I'll stay—for now."

Stark gave a small nod.

"Good choice, Doc. We'll get to the bottom of this. But first—how about some food? You look like you haven't eaten in days."

With that, Stark turned toward the kitchen, the lab doors sliding open as he led Banner deeper into the mansion. For the first time in a long while, Bruce Banner allowed himself to feel something he hadn't in years—hope.

As Tony led the way toward the kitchen, Bruce followed slowly, still processing the whirlwind of events. The interior of the mansion was sleek and futuristic, an aesthetic blend of technology and elegance. Glass walls, sharp lines, and the subtle hum of advanced machinery made the place feel like a tech utopia. But beneath the surface, there was something more—a sense of isolation that Bruce recognized all too well.

Tony glanced back at him as they walked, the same casual, confident demeanor masking whatever thoughts were running through his mind.

"You're going to love the food here. I've got a personal chef—well, JARVIS handles most of it, but trust me, it's five-star."

Bruce raised an eyebrow.

"You have an AI making your meals?"

"Technically, it's me making them, just with less manual labor,"

Tony replied with a grin, swiping a finger across the holographic display as they entered the expansive kitchen. The counters gleamed under the soft lighting, and the ocean view outside stretched endlessly, calming in contrast to the turmoil inside Bruce's mind.

Bruce watched as Tony effortlessly commanded the room. With a few gestures, holographic menus popped up, listing gourmet dishes.

"Anything you're in the mood for? Or should I just surprise you?"

Bruce sat at the long, polished island counter, still not entirely comfortable. He wasn't used to places like this—luxury felt foreign to him now.

"I'm fine with anything, Tony. Just... something simple, if you don't mind."

Tony smirked.

"Simple, huh? We'll start with the basics, then."

As Tony worked the controls, the kitchen sprang to life. Robotic arms and sleek appliances began preparing the meal with mechanical precision, and for a moment, the atmosphere lightened. Tony was good at that—keeping things just casual enough to disarm people. But Bruce couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than Tony was letting on.

"I've got to say,"

 Tony started, leaning against the counter,

"I didn't expect the Hulk to be so... manageable."

His tone was nonchalant, but there was curiosity beneath it.

Bruce tensed.

"It's not always like that. I've been working on controlling it, but it's... difficult."

Tony's gaze sharpened.

"Difficult, sure. But not impossible. Look, I don't know what it's like having a... big, green alter ego, but I've seen what happens when you lose control."

He paused, choosing his words carefully.

"It's not you. You're not a monster, Bruce. You're a scientist who got caught in the wrong experiment."

Bruce frowned, his hands gripping the edge of the counter.

"Tell that to the people I've hurt. To Ross."

Tony sighed, pacing slightly.

"You know, I get it. Being hunted, feeling like the world's out to get you... it messes with your head. But the way I see it, you've got something Ross will never understand. You've got a mind that can change the world."

Bruce gave a small, bitter laugh.

"And a body that can destroy it."

Tony didn't flinch.

"Yeah, well, join the club. Do you think I built this suit because I wanted to be a superhero? I didn't. I built it because I had to. Because, for all the damage I've done, this is my way of making up for it."

There was a moment of silence as the words hung between them. Bruce could see it now—under the billionaire playboy facade, Tony Stark was just as haunted as he was. Both of them had created something dangerous, and both were trying to figure out how to live with it.

The smell of food filled the air as JARVIS chimed in,

"Dinner is served, sir."

Tony motioned toward the plates that had been set on the counter.

"Hope you like steak,"

he said, sliding a plate over to Bruce.

Bruce looked down at the meal—perfectly cooked steak, roasted vegetables, and a side of something that looked too fancy to name. For a moment, he felt a twinge of guilt. It had been so long since he'd sat down for a meal like this since he'd allowed himself to enjoy anything.

As they ate, the conversation turned lighter. Tony rambled on about tech upgrades, the latest projects in Stark Industries, and the challenges of being a genius in a world full of "morons," as he put it. Bruce found himself listening, even laughing a little.

But underneath it all, there was still an unspoken question. Why was Tony helping him? Was it just about keeping him safe, or was there something else?

Eventually, Bruce set down his fork, his mind still racing with doubts.

"You know this can't last, right?"

he said quietly.

"Ross won't stop, and eventually, something will happen. I'll lose control again."

Tony leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful but not surprised.

"Maybe. Or maybe we figure out a way to stop that from happening."

He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing his next words.

"I'm working on something, Bruce. Something that might help with... control. But I need your help to make it work."

Bruce looked up, his interest piqued but wary.

"What kind of something?"

Tony smiled, that same mix of confidence and mystery in his eyes. "Let's just say, it involves a suit that can handle a little more... green."

Bruce's fork paused mid-air as Tony's words sunk in. A suit to handle *the Hulk*? It sounded like another one of Tony's wild ideas, the kind that was equal parts genius and reckless. He set the fork down slowly, his brow furrowing.

"A suit?"

Bruce echoed, his voice filled with skepticism.

"You think a suit can control *this*?"

 He gestured vaguely at himself, knowing that the enormity of the Hulk was more than just physical. It was a force of chaos, rage, and unpredictability—something no amount of technology could tame. At least, that's what Bruce believed.

Tony didn't seem fazed by the doubt in Bruce's voice.

"Not control,"

he corrected, leaning forward slightly.

"Assist. Guide. Look, I've been running simulations. Your gamma energy levels are off the charts, but they're not erratic. There's a pattern—if we can harness that, maybe we can design something that works with you, not against you."

Bruce rubbed the back of his neck, still processing.

"And what? Do you think this is going to solve everything? I put the suit on, and suddenly I don't have to worry about turning into a giant rage monster?"

Tony sighed, pushing his plate aside.

"I know it's not that simple, Bruce. Trust me, if anyone understands complicated tech solutions to personal issues, it's me. But it's a start. You've been running for so long, hiding—this could be a chance to finally get ahead of it. To control when the Hulk comes out, instead of waiting for it to control you."

Bruce looked away, staring out through the glass walls of the mansion at the vast ocean below. The idea was tempting—more than he wanted to admit. For years, he'd lived in fear of the transformation, trying every method he could think of to contain it. Meditation, isolation, and even physical suppression. But none of it had truly worked. Could this suit be the answer?

"I don't know, Tony,"

Bruce murmured, shaking his head.

"I've tried so many things. What makes this any different?"

Tony's eyes softened, and for a moment, the bravado faded, replaced by something more genuine.

"Because you won't be doing it alone this time."

Bruce turned back, surprised by the sincerity in Tony's voice.

"I get it, Bruce. You've been fighting this battle by yourself for so long, but you don't have to anymore. I've got resources—tech, knowledge, connections—and I'm not afraid to use them. We figure this out together, and maybe... maybe you don't have to live in fear of the Hulk anymore."

The two men sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. Tony's words struck a chord. Despite his arrogance, there was something deeper in his offer—a genuine desire to help, to understand.

Finally, Bruce sighed, his shoulders relaxing just a bit.

"Alright. I'll help you. But I'm not making any promises. If this goes wrong..."

Tony raised a hand, cutting him off.

"I know. If it goes wrong, we figure out a backup plan. But for now, let's take this one step at a time."

Bruce nodded, a small sense of relief creeping in. He still had doubts, and still felt the weight of his past failures pressing down on him, but for the first time in a long while, he wasn't facing it alone. There was something about Tony's confidence—reckless as it might be—that gave Bruce a spark of hope.

Tony stood up, clapping his hands together.

"Great! Now that we're on the same page, I'll have JARVIS pull up the prototypes. But first—get some rest. You've had a hell of a day."

Bruce gave a tired smile.

"Yeah... I guess I could use some sleep."

As Bruce got up from the table, Tony placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a rare, sincere smile.

"We'll figure this out, Banner. One way or another."

Bruce nodded, feeling that same hope flicker again. Maybe—just maybe—this was the beginning of something different. Something better.

As he headed toward the guest room Tony had set up for him, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held. The idea of a suit built to contain the Hulk seemed far-fetched, but if anyone could pull it off, it was Tony Stark. And if it meant even the slightest chance of control, Bruce was willing to give it a shot.

For the first time in years, as Bruce lay down and closed his eyes, the storm of fear and anxiety in his mind seemed to quiet. Just a little. And that was enough.

Back in the lab, Tony glanced at the holographic designs hovering before him. His mind raced with possibilities—calculations, modifications, improvements. He wasn't just building a suit. He was building something that could redefine what it meant to live with power, to wield it without fear of losing control.

"JARVIS,"

Tony said, his voice quiet but determined.

"Let's get to work."

As the soft hum of the mansion settled into the night, Tony Stark stood alone in his lab, surrounded by holographic projections of complex schematics and engineering data. He studied the floating blueprints with a sharp eye, each line and component representing his newest challenge: creating a suit that could withstand the power of the Hulk. He rubbed his jaw thoughtfully, then tapped a few commands into the interface.

"Alright, JARVIS,"

Tony murmured,

"Let's start with the Mark Gamma framework. We need reinforced joints and stress-displacement technology. The standard alloys won't cut it—he's going to need something that can handle extreme gamma fluctuations."

The AI's voice responded calmly,

"Adjusting schematics now, sir. However, based on Dr. Banner's gamma output during transformation, the current material compositions will only withstand approximately 60% of the maximum stress before structural failure."

Tony frowned, leaning on the counter as the revised projections blinked into view.

"We'll need to experiment with something more... adaptive. Maybe a Vibranium-polymer weave? Something that can adjust in real-time to changes in mass and force."

His eyes flicked through the data, mind racing.

"And we've got to think about containment—venting off the gamma radiation rather than letting it build up inside the suit."

JARVIS paused. "Sir, Vibranium resources are scarce, and utilizing them would require strategic allocation of current reserves."

Tony nodded, though his mind was already three steps ahead.

"True. We could tap into some Wakanda channels later if necessary, or even better we could make Synthetic Vibranium JARVIS open a file for it, and store it in future projects. For now, let's prototype with titanium-nanocomposite alloys and build out the modular system. It's a start."

As Tony continued working, his thoughts drifted back to Bruce. He had seen the weight Banner carried, the constant battle between the brilliant scientist and the unstoppable force within him. Tony knew all too well what it felt like to carry a burden, even if he was of his own making. The Hulk, though—Bruce hadn't chosen that. The least Tony could do was try to give him some measure of control.

"JARVIS, how are we on power distribution?"

Tony asked absently, his eyes scanning the virtual display.

"The proposed design will require a new arc reactor with enhanced gamma filtration capabilities,"

 JARVIS replied smoothly.

"Shall I begin calculations for the energy output?"

Tony grinned, a spark of excitement lighting up his features.

"Yes. And throw in some contingency protocols. If Banner loses control, I want the suit to automatically lock him down."

"Understood, sir. However, you may encounter resistance from Dr. Banner regarding those safety measures."

Tony snorted.

"Oh, I'm counting on it."

He stretched, feeling the tension in his muscles from the long day, then paced around the lab, hands on his hips. The prototypes floated in the air, elegant designs meant to contain the unimaginable force of the Hulk. But even with his technological expertise, Tony knew there were still unknowns. Would the suit help Bruce maintain control, or would it be yet another futile attempt to stop the unstoppable?

Suddenly, Tony's train of thought was interrupted by the quiet swish of the lab doors opening. Bruce Banner stepped in, looking a bit more rested but still carrying the cautious weariness that came with years of running. His eyes scanned the lab, taking in the holographic displays with a mix of curiosity and doubt.

"I couldn't sleep,"

Bruce admitted, walking over to the central table. He glanced at the blueprints of the suit Tony was designing, the technical details swimming in front of his tired eyes.

"You're serious about this, aren't you?"

Tony smirked, folding his arms.

"What gave it away? The fact that I've been up all night? Or the part where I'm building a suit specifically for a guy who turns into an unstoppable force of nature when he's angry?"

Bruce chuckled softly, but there was a shadow behind his eyes.

"I've seen people try to contain the Hulk before. It usually ends in destruction."

Tony's expression softened, his usual sarcasm fading as he locked eyes with Bruce.

"This isn't about containment, Bruce. It's about giving you some control. Look, I know you're scared of what the Hulk can do—of what *you* can do—but you've been living in fear long enough. Maybe this suit won't be perfect right away, but it's something. It's a step toward giving you a choice."

Bruce looked at the hologram again, his fingers twitching as though he wanted to reach out and touch the schematics. He had always been a man of science, drawn to the possibilities of technology and discovery, but the Hulk had forced him into a life of running and hiding. The idea that Tony could build something to help him regain a semblance of control was... tempting. Almost too tempting.

"You think this can work?"

 Bruce asked quietly, his voice tinged with both hope and doubt.

Tony's eyes gleamed with determination.

"I don't know. But we're going to find out together."

There was a long silence between them, the weight of unspoken fears hanging in the air. Bruce had spent years avoiding situations like this—situations where trust was required. But something about Tony's reckless confidence, his unwavering belief that they could solve anything with enough brains and tech, was disarming.

Finally, Bruce nodded.

"Alright. I'm in."

Tony grinned.

"Great. Now, come take a look at these specs. I've got a few ideas, but I need that big brain of yours to make sure we're not missing anything."

Bruce stepped closer, his eyes scanning the projections with a newfound focus. Together, they began discussing the mechanics, Bruce offering insights into gamma radiation and cellular degradation while Tony worked on integrating those variables into the suit's design. For the first time in years, Bruce felt like he was part of something that didn't revolve around running or hiding. He was building again, solving problems, and for just a moment, it felt like the old days before the accident.

Meanwhile Thaddeus Ross

General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross stood in the dimly lit command center, his eyes glued to the screen showing the surveillance footage of the recent battle. The footage looped through the scene again: the chaos of Bruce Banner, moments before another transformation, and then suddenly, Iron Man—an unidentified figure in a red-and-gold suit—swooping in to whisk him away.

Ross's jaw clenched in frustration as the screen flickered off. He turned to face the team of soldiers and scientists that had gathered in the room, a storm brewing in his gaze.

"Who was that?"

he barked, his voice hard and demanding.

"I want a full report on this metal suit—how did they manage to get past our air defenses and make off with Banner?"

One of the analysts, flinching slightly under Ross's gaze, fumbled with his notes.

"W-We're working on identifying the individual, General. The tech is unlike anything we've seen before—no military markings, no known serial numbers. We... we're running it through every available database."

Ross turned away, pacing toward the window that overlooked the military base. The implications of Banner's escape were severe. Bruce Banner had slipped through his fingers before, but this time, someone had helped him. Someone with advanced technology, someone with power. And that someone had put Ross's entire mission at risk.

Ross's hands tightened behind his back.

"If we don't track down Banner—and whoever helped him—we're looking at an even bigger threat than before. That creature inside him needs to be contained."

A low, rumbling voice interrupted Ross's thoughts. From the shadows of the room, Emil Blonsky—better known now as the Abomination—stepped forward. His towering frame cast a menacing shadow over the other soldiers, and his presence in the room felt like a caged animal that was just barely kept under control.

Blonsky grinned, his massive, mutated form towering above everyone in the room. "

"Looks like you failed to catch him, Ross"

Ross shot him a glare, though he wasn't foolish enough to antagonize Blonsky directly.

"He's a weapon. One that I intend to bring back under control."

Blonsky's grin widened as he took a slow, menacing step toward Ross.

"Control? Do you think you can control him? The only thing you can control is me. And I'm itching for an fight."

His grin turned into a sneer.

Ross narrowed his eyes, but inside he knew Blonsky had a point. The Abomination had the power to rival the Hulk, and Ross intends to use that power. But unleashing Blonsky came with its own set of risks—risks that Ross wasn't ready to accept, not unless there were no other options.

"Don't forget, Blonsky, you're here on my terms,"

Ross said coldly.

"You're a weapon too, one I've kept locked up for good reason. If I let you out, you'll follow my orders, or you'll wish I never let you see the light of day again."

Blonsky's eyes flared with a mix of rage and amusement, but he didn't challenge Ross. Instead, he leaned closer, his massive, monstrous face inches from the general's.

"Just say the word, Ross. You know you need me."

Ross didn't flinch, his steely demeanour unshaken.

"I'll keep you in reserve for now. I want to know who the hell is in that suit before we make our next move. If Banner's got a new ally, we need to know everything about them."

Blonsky growled, clearly eager for a fight, but Ross turned his attention back to his staff.

"Double the search efforts. I want satellites tracking Banner's last known location. We'll comb through every piece of data—this suit, this Iron Man or whoever he is, didn't just appear out of nowhere. And contact Stark Industries. If anyone's been developing this kind of tech, they'll have leads."

Blonsky scoffed. "Stark Industries? You think some spoiled billionaire's involved in this?"

Ross paused for a second, an idea forming in his mind. Tony Stark, the genius playboy, had been in the headlines recently for his so-called technological breakthroughs. And while Ross doubted Stark was capable of fielding something like this, it wouldn't hurt to look into it.

"Anything's possible,"

 Ross muttered.

"Stark's not someone I trust, but if he's meddling in matters that don't concern him, we'll make sure he regrets it."

Blonsky chuckled darkly, his grotesque form shifting slightly as he leaned against the wall.

"You should let me rip his fancy toys apart. I bet they won't last a minute against me."

Ross shook his head, already formulating a plan.

"We're not acting on impulse. We'll gather intelligence first. If Stark is involved, we'll bring him in. If not, we'll find Banner the old-fashioned way."

His attention returned to the surveillance footage, playing the moment of Banner's escape once again. This mysterious armoured figure had swooped in and taken Banner right out from under his nose, a move that Ross couldn't forgive. He'd spent years hunting the Hulk, and this was a setback he didn't need.

Blonsky's hulking figure moved restlessly in the corner, eyes still gleaming with anticipation.

"Whenever you're ready, Ross. Just don't wait too long. You know I'm the only one who can stop him."

Ross didn't respond. His mind was already racing ahead, thinking about his next steps. Banner was out there, vulnerable. But Ross wouldn't stop hunting him—he never had. And if this new player thought they could interfere with his mission, they were about to find out just how relentless Thaddeus Ross could be.

"I'll find Banner,"

Ross muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

"And whoever helped him is going to pay for it."