Disclaimer: I do not own the Incredible Hulk, and I am not affiliated with anyone who does, but I do own this plot and The Girl and Jesse Armstrong.

Chapter 2

Tuesday Evening

"How many times have I warned you not to wander into public? It's too dangerous for you, little one. Others would not understand what you are, and too many would shoot first and ask questions later. Why can't you just stay here where I asked?" I yelled, instantly feeling remorseful as her cerulean orbs became even further downcast.

"I was lonely." She murmured, barely audible. "Is it too much that I leave to see people? I don't talk to anyone or interact. I walk, that's all."

She looked up at my face, her expression one of sadness and longing. I knew what she wanted, and I was brimming with loathing that I could not fulfill her needs. Sighing, I pulled her tiny frame into my own; her cheek nestled against my stomach. I stroked her back softly, feeling my shirt become drenched with her scalding tears. A burn was a small price to pay for neglecting my little one.

"You have no idea how much I wish to just stay home with you." I spoke softly. The searing of my abdomen was increasing, but I refused to let go. Who knows when I would be there to dry her tears again?

As her ragged breathing calmed, I pulled away just enough to see her face. She stared up at me with her chin resting on my scorched belly, tear ducts no longer releasing their liquid fire. I stroked her tiny cheek, gazing down at her watchful eyes as she unconsciously nuzzled my hand. My little one was more relaxed now, and I carefully scooped her up into my arms, cradling her gently as I made my way into the kitchen.

"Now, what would you like for dinner? I don't know about you, but I'm starving!" She smiled softly, leaning her head against my shoulder as I listened to her stomach grumbling.

"Whatever you will cook." She replied simply.

Wednesday Morning

I woke up to the blaring of my alarm and the feeling of cool moisture soothing my burned stomach. My little one had crept into the bedroom as my alarm clock went off, and I swore as I remembered I hadn't worn a shirt to bed. I turned my face to look at her, noticing the look of remorse she wore as her tiny hand smoothed a layer of the gel-like salve over my stomach. I could hear the upset tone in her voice as she spoke.

"Why didn't you tell me that I burned you Jesse? I could have fixed this last night." She groaned, very upset.

"I didn't see a point to telling you. There's no real harm done, just a simple burn." I tried to lighten her mood.

"But you were in pain. Don't try to tell me anything different because I know just how sensitive the skin covering the stomach is!" She growled, near tears now and completely ashamed for accidentally hurting me.

I sat up immediately, ignoring the uncomfortable tightness of the healing burn to look her directly in the eyes. I carefully held her petite face between my hands, forcing her to make eye contact.

"If getting a little burn is the price for comforting you and letting you know that I am here for you regardless if it is physically possible or not, then I will gladly be charred to ashes. I will continue to hold onto you regardless of my safety or health. Do you understand?" She nodded. "Good. Now smile and enjoy the day!" I kissed her forehead softly, still feeling as if she was made from crystal and I was a giant that could easily destroy her.

I got out of bed, thankful that I had at least remembered to wear pajama bottoms, and made my way into the bathroom. Ten minutes later I was dressed in casual business clothes and ready to have some breakfast before work. As I made my way down the hall, I could smell bacon cooking and peach herbal tea permeating the atmosphere. I walked to towards the cupboards to at least get some plates when she shooed me towards the bar stools that were on the opposite side of the island. There was a plate heaping with bacon and hash browns, and she nudged me out of the way to slide on two over-easy eggs. I blinked and there was a glass of milk and utensils ready to dig into breakfast, as well as some herbal tea in a thermos and a paper bag lunch ready for me to take to work.

"How on earth did you get all this done in ten minutes?" I questioned.

"Motivation is a powerful thing." She smirked. I knew better than to ask what the source of motivation was, as I did not want to upset her. I decided to change the subject.

"So what's for lunch today?"

"Nope, no way. I am not going to ruin the surprise, and I'll know if you peek before it's time to eat your lunch Jesse." She mock threatened.

"And just what are you going to do if I do decide to take a peek?" I was generally curious.

"I haven't quite settled on a punishment yet, but it won't be pretty…" She smirked again, never a good sign for me.

I gave a rather theatrical sigh, making a show of how much I wanted in on the surprise, but as always it did nothing to budge her. I finished my plate, noting that she was already scraping hers for any crumbs left. I laughed, ruffling her hair as I went to put my plate in the sink, and prepare to leave.

I was just putting on my coat when two tiny arms wound about my waist, as my little one gave me a hug. I gently returned the gesture, stooping to kiss her forehead, and made my way to the "office."

I walked into the office for my shift, still hopelessly wondering about what that girl did to me. Was it simply a fight-or-flight response, or another creature created by a reaction to gamma radiation? I shook off the second option immediately; it was a far-fetched notion that another creature could have been created without me coming across it before. It would be a bare-faced lie to say that I was not distracted by the occurrence, almost borderline obsessed.

Not noticing where I was walking, I bumped straight into Dr. Armstrong, the veterinarian of the office. Now he was a rather intimidating person to work with. His gentle personality was masked well by his physical appearance, and size. The man was 6'7" and had to be on the upper side of 230 lbs. There were several occasions when I felt pierced to the very soul when his midnight blue eyes raked over me, feeling more scared than I had a right to. He was built like the human version of the hulk. I'd seen the man pick up an adult Doberman having a violent anxiety attack, plunk it down on the exam table, hold it there, and administer a mild tranquilizer like it was a walk in the park. Looking up I smiled, his good humor instantly contagious.

"Good morning Bruce. How are you today?" He greeted.

"Very good Jesse. And yourself?" I asked, wondering why he seemed so cheerful today.

"Excellent. We've got a busy day ahead, and I'll need some help with samples from the critters today."

"That's what I'm here for." I chuckled.

The first three hours of opening passed relatively slow, with a few pets scheduled for routine examinations, but before I realized it lunch hour had arrived. Jesse had seemed eager to get his food, which I noticed opened quickly.

"What's for lunch today?" I questioned, taking a bite of my turkey sandwich.

"Black forest ham, leaf lettuce, Swiss cheese, and cherry tomatoes on ciabatta bread. What a sandwich! My little one is certainly taking care of me today." He chuckled.

"Are you sure you don't live in a deli?" I joked. Seriously though, that is one nice sandwich.

The big guy just chuckled. I continued to eat lunch, my mind continuously wandering off into the previous day's events. The more I thought about it, the more intrigued I became, but there was a sobering notion to my desire for finding the girl. If I did actually come across her again, not just in passing, her life would become forfeit to the General. I would end up destroying an innocent life just for the cure.

Could I really do that?