Tony held Bruce a little more tightly. He couldn't read his thoughts but he knew he was coming to the edge of reason just the same. "I'm sorry," he said, though he didn't know what he was sorry about. Trying to get Bruce to talk about it was going to be like pulling teeth and he didn't want to hurt him any more than he had to. "People don't remember us for our pasts," he murmured. "They know us for our presents. It's hard for you, but you were a kid and you were scared and shit happens. You're-- Banner, you're never going to believe me when I tell you that you're a good person so I'm not going to say it. But you need to know that I'm still here for you. I've got pot and I've got fast cars and I've got you. Even if you kick me all night."

He chuckled into Bruce's ear.

There wasn't entirely too much to say after that. Bruce's past was a nightmare that no one could ever understand. Tony just had to accept that.

Tony couldn't sleep anyway, so he tried to keep watch over Bruce, curled up in his arms like that. It was the weakest he had ever seen the man and it frightened him.

And then the whole tower shook.

"Stark!" Tony closed his eyes and feigned sleep, but a massive hand closed over his shoulder any way. "Friend Stark! Awaken yourself!"