chapter 5

Chapter 5: Rebuilding Bridges

The neon lights of Las Vegas illuminated the night sky as Bruce Stark stepped out of the sleek town car, the sounds of laughter and music spilling from the nearby casino. He took a moment to adjust to the vibrant chaos around him, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. This was his first meeting with Tony since their last fraught conversation, and he hoped to bridge the gap that had grown between them.

As he walked through the casino entrance, the glimmer of slot machines and the buzz of excited patrons surrounded him. Bruce spotted Tony at a private table, a confident smirk on his face as he tossed chips into the center. But as soon as Tony's eyes landed on Bruce, the smirk wavered, replaced by a look of surprise.

"Bruce?" Tony called out, his voice cutting through the noise. "You actually came?"

"Tony," Bruce replied, stepping closer. The tension between them was palpable, the years of unresolved conflict thick in the air. "We need to talk."

Tony blinked, clearly taken aback by Bruce's direct approach. "Yeah… yeah, of course. But, uh, I thought after everything I said, you wouldn't want to see me."

Bruce let out a breath, feeling the weight of the years between them. "You were angry. I get it."

Tony's confident front faltered. "I wasn't just angry. I was… scared. And I lashed out. You didn't deserve that, Bruce."

Bruce looked at him, seeing the vulnerability Tony rarely let show. "I know you didn't mean it, but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. We need to fix this."

Tony nodded, his expression softening. "You're right. I've been a mess. I'm sorry."

The words hung between them, a tentative step toward reconciliation.

Before Bruce could respond, a tall, dark-haired woman approached the table, her sultry gaze focused entirely on him. She moved with purpose, her eyes never leaving Bruce's.

"You look like someone who could use a break from all this," she said, her voice smooth and inviting. "Mind if I join you?"

Bruce gave her a brief glance, his mind still on his brother. "I'm not really here for that," he said, brushing off her attempt to draw him into conversation.

Undeterred, she leaned in closer, her lips curving into a smile. "I'm Talia. I'm sure I can help you relax."

Bruce remained unfazed, his focus returning to Tony. "I'm actually here for my brother," he said, dismissing her advances.

Talia blinked, surprised by his lack of interest, but before she could press further, Tony laughed—a loud, slightly slurred laugh that signaled his growing intoxication.

"See, this is why I love you, Bruce!" Tony said, tipping his drink toward him. "Always focused on what matters."

Bruce sighed, turning his attention back to Tony. "Let's get you out of here before you drink yourself under the table."

Tony raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "What, no blackjack?"

"Not tonight," Bruce said, standing up. "You've had enough."

Tony shrugged, standing unsteadily and nearly tipping over. "Fine, fine. You're the boss."

As they left the casino, Bruce wrapped an arm around Tony, helping him into the waiting car. The night air felt cool against his skin, a welcome contrast to the heated atmosphere of the casino. Tony slumped in the back seat, muttering incoherently as they drove toward his house.

When they finally pulled up to Tony's lavish mansion, Bruce helped his brother out of the car, supporting him as they made their way to the front door. As they stepped inside, a woman with strawberry blonde hair and a professional demeanor greeted them, her expression a mix of concern and exasperation.

"Tony," she said, sighing as she took in his drunken state. "Again?"

"Pepper," Tony slurred, grinning at her. "Bruce is here! Can you believe it?"

Pepper Potts, Tony's longtime assistant, glanced at Bruce with a small smile, clearly used to dealing with Tony in this state. "Bruce, it's good to see you. I've heard a lot about you."

Bruce smiled faintly. "I hope some of it was good."

Pepper raised an eyebrow. "Well, Tony only gets sentimental after a few too many drinks, so you've been the subject of many late-night ramblings."

Tony waved dismissively. "I don't ramble."

Bruce chuckled, guiding Tony to the couch. "You do. But it's fine. I'm here to make sure you're not doing it alone anymore."

Pepper crossed her arms, watching the two brothers. "I'm glad you're here. He needs someone who can get through to him."

"I'll do what I can," Bruce said, settling Tony onto the couch. He looked at Pepper, appreciating the quiet strength she exuded. "He's lucky to have you around."

Pepper gave a small nod. "It's a full-time job, but someone has to keep him in line."

Bruce watched as Pepper moved to grab a blanket for Tony, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. He knew this wasn't the end of the road for him and Tony, but it was a start. They still had a long way to go, but for the first time in years, Bruce felt like they were finally on the right path.

As Pepper draped the blanket over Tony, Bruce met her gaze. "Thanks for everything. I'll be sticking around for a while, so if you need help with him, don't hesitate to ask."

Pepper smiled, her eyes warm. "I think he's going to need you more than ever."

Bruce nodded, settling into a chair across from his brother. The night had been filled with unexpected twists, but as he sat there in Tony's home, he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time: hope.

------

A/N: Thalia will be important in the future as she is Thalia al ghul.