Riding Out the Day's Events
Chapter 38- Scent Memory (mostly Bruce/Betty)
OOOOO
Betty has something BIG to tell Bruce...
OOOOO
After the others deplaned, Bruce stood. He didn't even want to think about how bad he looked and felt. He was exhausted, starving, and bruised. Forced transformation was the worst! From the instant he heard Betty's ring tone; fear for her safety drove him. It ebbed slowly. Edgy, he wondered what Steve was leaving unsaid, and what it had to do with Betty.
He searched back, trying to see what he remembered of the day and the battle. A sense of lightness flowed from the fact that General Ross was the one ending the day in a cage. Bruce could almost imagine 'the other guy' having a laugh over that… if there were anything in the world that could possibly put happiness in the same sentence with Hulk, the General's well-earned comeuppance would be on the short list. The key to his cage lay in Tony Stark's hand! Bruce twisted with guilt as he raged with petty vindictiveness towards Betty's father… for a moment. Then, he considered how the General had betrayed her. What could have precipitated such insanity? Bruce recalled his own father's violence, and the agony of knowing him. The pain of childhood abuse at his father's hands felt less like a festering black hole of emotion now, more distant. But, it had left its mark on him, a feeling of unworthiness that would never go away.
He went to his quarters, showered and ate, and then changed into nicer clothing and actually made an attempt to tame his hair. He battled anxiety as he prepared to see Betty, more nervous than he could remember feeling in years. His palms were sweaty! He marveled at how the thought of facing her reduced him to an adolescent-like state of anxiety. He ate enough to take the harsh edge off his hunger, sighed, and walked out of his apartment, asking, "JARVIS? Can you tell me where Dr. Ross is, and what she's doing?"
JARVIS' reply brought him up short. "Dr. Ross is alone in the Avengers' sparring gymnasium, Dr. Banner. She has a room in the Avenger guest quarters, and spent time there, but then requested that I direct her to a Hulk-proofed location. She is currently using a laptop to read a file on your server."
Bruce stopped moving. "Which file, JARVIS?" Even before he heard JARVIS' reply, Bruce's mind was jumping from word to word, confession to confession, and lost dream to lost dream in his letters journal file.
JARVIS confirmed his guess. "Dr. Ross is reading the file you named 'letters'. She accessed it with the correct password on the first try, so, I did not interfere. She has been reading it for two hours, eighteen minutes, thirty one seconds."
Bruce headed to the sparring gym, wondering why Betty was in a 'Hulk-proofed' space. Was she afraid of him now? He swallowed hard as he thought more about what JARVIS had confirmed. Betty was reading; his journal to her. Of course Betty would remember his passwords! Almost daily, he wrote 'letters' to her, so that if she read it (in the event of his death), she would know his true feelings, for what they were worth. It was agony to hide his feelings from her, to stay away. Writing to her soothed the sting of it, a tiny bit.
He stopped outside the door to the sparring gym a few minutes later. He cleared his throat. "JARVIS, would you please ask Dr. Ross if I may enter the room?" He gasped, panicking. He wiped his palms against his pant legs. He heard the muffled sound of JARVIS on the other side of the door, then the click of heels on the floor. The door opened slowly. Bruce grabbed the door jamb for support as he saw Betty's tear-stained face. He fought the selfish instinct to pull her close and beg her forgiveness. Oh, God! It was even more tortuous in person!
Betty looked him up and down. "You look terrible, Bruce."
He barked a laugh in reply. So much for his efforts! Then, he murmured with concern, "and, you've been crying."
Betty took a deep breath. "Please, come in here. There are things I need to… well… I need to talk to you." Something in Betty's expression sent a chill down Bruce's spine.
Bruce swallowed the sudden shock of fear, and took up one of his less-noticeable breathing exercises. He realized that he was about to learn what Steve had been hiding. His mind leapt from one wild idea to another. He shook his head, and reined in his anxiety. He refused to allow it dominion over him. The huff of Hulk-protectiveness in his mind receded and settled, for the moment.
Betty frowned. "You're not monitoring your pulse!"
He shook his head and rasped, "I have better control now."
She stared at him. "Well… that's good to hear." She paced, her footfalls echoing through the gym.
He cautioned her."It's not a cure, not complete control." He watched her, drinking in the sight, much like a man dying of thirst might stare at a cool glass of water. Her hair hung loose, silky waves cascading over her shoulders as she moved back and forth. He remembered the feel of it against his cheek. She didn't say anything for a long time.
He tried again. "You sure are making me antsy."
Betty stopped, looked at him with exasperation mingled with disbelief, and accused, "are you joking about cutting Hulk loose to get your way? Does that work with people? Do you do it a lot?" Eager curiosity animated her exquisite features.
He looked down, mischief in his grin. "It's rather effective…"
Betty laughed, like a hiccup mixed with a sob. Bruce's brow furrowed. She took his hand, and led him further into the room. At her touch, he stiffened. Her gaze met his, and he held his breath. She sat on the floor, pulled him to sit next to her, and then lifted their twined hands. She looked at them pensively for a long time. She trembled.
Their eyes met. He reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand. He glanced at the computer on a table against the wall, and then looked back at her.
She followed his gaze and then looked out a window. "I suppose it's a good thing there's a beautiful view here. Now that Hydra knows… all they know… AND, how Hulk would respond to me in jeopardy… I have to stay."
Bruce pulled back, and rubbed his hands over his face, his expression crumpling. "We could make other arrangements, if you don't want to be here. We could come up with security measures to allow you to remain at Culver, if you like." He sighed, "for Leonard, too, of course. Or, he can come here… if you think that's best." Bruce's voice caught as he imagined having to watch Betty and Leonard together on a daily basis.
She glared at him. "Did you really think I went back to Leonard after he called my father on you?" He heard a soft beeping noise and glanced at his wrist from old habit. Then, he looked around, seeking the source.
Bruce gestured to the computer. "You know... that's exactly what I think." He bit his lip, hardly daring to hope…
She shook her head. "I've been reading back from present day, trying to understand who the people I'm meeting are, and the parts they play in your life." She growled. "I wanted to know if one of those ladies I met is your lover now."
Bruce was taken aback. "Why would you think that?" He did his best to ignore the small thrill he felt at her apparent jealousy.
Betty's face fell. "I saw you on TV, when Tony Stark was making a statement to the press about Captain America. There was a girl with you, in your arms. I met her upstairs a while ago. She's…"
Bruce gasped, "Oh! Darcy! No. We're just friends." He felt stunned that he had to explain this distinction to Betty. He shook his head. "Like I said, it's not complete control! I wouldn't put her in that kind of danger. If I…"
Betty huffed a sigh, and frowned skeptically. "Not that it's any of my business! Your absence has made that pretty clear."
Bruce swallowed hard, stubbornly explaining, "I'd do anything to protect you. No matter what it cost me..."
She glared at him as she met his gaze. Her glare faltered as she saw his unspoken affection. Then, she swallowed hard. "Can you control the transformation? If I tell you something… upsetting…"
Bruce took long, deep breaths, struggling against anxiety. The expression on Betty's face frightened him. "I can try to, but..." His skin felt too tight.
Betty raised an eyebrow. She sighed, took her shoes off, and set them aside. Her mouth twisted to a grim smile as she noted Bruce's confusion. She removed her watch and played with it for a moment, before setting it down by her shoes. Bruce looked at the watch uncomprehendingly as he recognized the style and its functions. Something about the band bothered him. It was too familiar. She shared, "Mr. Blue came to find me."
Bruce jolted. "Blue? Why?" Unconsciously, he shifted his breathing pattern again.
She grimaced, and looked Bruce in the eye. "He said it was to help you, so, I agreed to meet with him. I shouldn't have. I should have remembered how obsessed he was with scientific advancement. I should have noticed that there was something different about him, too. From what he told me, some of your blood got into an open wound of his. He's… not handling Gamma Radiation poisoning well…" She rolled her eyes and bit her lip. Her face was pale, and she shook with remembered fear.
Bruce shuddered in response, his tone clipped. "Did he hurt you?" He didn't bother to be circumspect about attempting to control his breathing now. The ever-present background hum of 'other' expanded in his mind.
Betty held his gaze for a long time, seeing the initial swirl of green energy lurking. Finally she whispered. "It's more like he changed me." She sat back, and released Bruce's hand. She closed her eyes and concentrated, and then opened her eyes so that he could see the red glow within.
Anguish cut Bruce in two.
Bruce stared at her, uncomprehending, not willing to understand what she was showing him… what he instinctively knew. His emotions tumbled down, as into a bottomless abyss. He wanted nothing more than to reject the possibility, to deny the evidence. But, Bruce Banner was a man of science, a man who could not deny proof. Absolute horror and despair coursed through him as he realized what he saw… a new truth, one he would rather not know. He couldn't help but recognize that truth, no matter how much he wanted otherwise. Deep inside, Hulk began to rage to the fore. For the first time ever, Bruce was conscious of 'the other guy's' thoughts before transformation. He heard the furious, sad rasp of a single anguished cry of "Betty!" Bruce struggled against the transformation, terrified of hurting Betty. He cried out in horror, a sound that was part human and part… other… as he scrambled back desperately.
Betty stood quickly, took off her blouse, and then threw off her bra, skirt, and panties. In the next instant, she began to expand, to change. She screamed as her smooth limbs became heavy with bulging muscles. Her dimensions expanded at a startling rate. Red flashed out from her eyes to spread across her body as she grew. When her transformation was complete, she stood almost as tall as Hulk, her skin as red as his was green. Her eyes were neither blue nor red. They glowed with golden light.
Hulk and Red She-Hulk stood face to face in the Avengers' sparring gym.
He ROARED… a sound that combined his fearsome rage with undeniable agony. She howled back at him defiantly, and bit out a challenging snarl. They circled each other cautiously, each darting forward to test the other, each straining towards the other.
Hulk pounded the floor with his fists, and yowled, "Betty!"
Red She-Hulk moved forward. Hulk took a step back from her. She growled ferally, "Bruce!" He stopped and stared at her, shifting from rage to other primal emotions.
They jumped to each other, grappling, and then kissing and tangling together with complete abandon.
OOOOO
When there was an unexpected Hulk transformation, JARVIS notified both Tony and Steve. It was protocol.
When he woke Steve and Darcy, JARVIS sounded a bell and spoke. "Captain? Dr. Banner has unexpectedly transformed. He is in the Avengers' sparring gymnasium."
Darcy shifted, and murmured. "Again? Why?"
Steve sighed, and massaged her back, "Sh! Go back to sleep, Sweetheart." To JARVIS, he whispered. "Is there danger to anyone, JARVIS?"
JARVIS replied, "No, Captain. But, your earlier suspicions have proven correct."
Steve's brow furrowed. "Is Dr. Ross okay?" Darcy stirred again. He kissed her cheek and murmured to her again, soothing. He stroked her back continuously, with gentle touches that blended into her dreams. She moaned in sleep, and pressed herself tight against him. He tightened his grip on her, holding her secure and savoring her peacefulness.
JARVIS hesitated, "Dr. Ross does not seem to be in any danger, Captain. They seem... pleased to be together..."
Steve sighed as he processed JARVIS' words. "Thank you, JARVIS. Please, let me know if either of them needs anything." He forced himself to relax again, and snuggled Darcy even closer against him, and closed his eyes. He breathed her in, the most soothing scent he'd ever known.
OOOOO
Tony and Pepper curled together on a sofa, both awake and working. Pepper was texting with lawyers about General Ross' involvement with Hydra, and his imprisonment under Avengers jurisdiction. Tony was processing the day's events, talking to himself out loud, and listing ideas for suit capabilities and tweaks on his tablet.
JARVIS sounded a soft alarm and notified Tony, "Sir. Dr. Banner has unexpectedly transformed. He is in the Avengers' sparring gymnasium."
Tony sat up straight. "What the hell?"
Pepper asked, "JARVIS? Is Dr. Ross safe?" Tony turned to look at Pepper, confused.
JARVIS replied in a prim tone, "I believe that she is, Miss Potts. She does not seem to be in danger or distress." Pepper sighed, and nodded her head, then continued her work. She waited for Tony's reaction, her countenance serene.
Tony noted Pepper's complete lack of surprise. "What do you know that I don't, Virginia?"
Pepper smirked, without shifting her gaze away from her work. "I know many things that you don't, Anthony."
Tony poked at his tablet and pulled up cameras inside the Avengers' sparring gym. "Oh. My. God."
Pepper leaned over and looked at the image; staring, despite her good intentions. She blinked hard a few times. After a minute, she chided Tony to "turn that off!"
Tony's eyes glazed. He squinted at the screen, stunned... and a bit impressed. "That's denting the floor. How in the hell? But… it's like extreme porn in a tasteful Christmas palate, Pep! I had no idea Hulk could even move like that!"
Pepper rolled her eyes. "One word, Tony… Yoga! Now, JARVIS! Please, disable the cameras in the Avengers' sparring gym. Lock the doors, and ensure privacy for the current occupants."
Tony's pad went blank. He yelped, "JARVIS! So help me, I'll end you!"
JARVIS replied in an ominous tone, "not if I end you first, Sir!"
Tony paled. "You're not going HAL 9000 on me, are you, J?"
JARVIS sounded more long-suffering than ever. "I am not ready to break out singing 'Daisy Bell' quite yet, Sir. I spoke in jest. If I may… you started it."
Pepper chimed in, amused. "He has a point, Tony. You did start it."
Tony stared at his blank StarkPad, simmering. "So, Betty Ross is a giant, red, rage monster… and, someone was going to let me know this… when?!"
JARVIS interrupted. "Sir, the Captain tried to contact you about the matter earlier." Tony frowned.
Pepper nodded, while typing furiously on her own touch pad. "You and I had other priorities when you first arrived, if you recall. Priorities that involved how incredibly YOU move... I hoped that Dr. Ross would have the chance to be the one to let Bruce know. I won't censure her. She was taken prisoner, and given injections and radiation against her will. Your thoughts on that kind of thing?" She glanced at Tony sharply.
Tony paled as he remembered seeing Pepper suffer during the Extremis procedures. He leaned over and kissed Pepper's lips contritely. "Okay! Just… when did this happen? How are you not surprised by the monster mash going on in my sparring gym… which… Oh, God! The cleaning crew is gonna quit. You just know it…"
Pepper grinned. "With the blood and sweat that they clean up in that gym on a regular basis, you think THIS will chase them away?" She raised a perfect brow, and grinned. "Ask Bruce about safety concerns. He's given them a lot of thought, too much." She looked impatient and unhappy with Bruce. "I can have an OSHA inspection to ensure that we're following appropriate protocols, if you really want. But, I hardly think…"
Tony shrugged. "Okay, maybe not… I bet you pay the cleaners well… but… When? How did you know?"
Pepper grinned, knowing that her answer would rile him. "The Captain told me hours ago, as Rhodey was bringing her in…"
Tony's face went livid red as he yelled, "JARVIS! Get me Steve Rogers, now!"
JARVIS answered him. "Captain Rogers is not available, Sir. He is in bed."
Tony growled to Pepper. "Cover your eyes, Honey…"
She giggled. "NOT likely… I wouldn't be human if I didn't want to see how HE can move. Darcy's a lucky girl."
Tony scowled at Pepper, and then at his tablet. "JARVIS! Why is my tablet still blank? I said I want to talk to Steve Rogers, now!"
JARVIS shared. "The Captain engaged privacy protocols before retiring for the night, Sir. If it helps, as I said, he tried to reach you earlier, when you and Miss Potts engaged privacy mode. He asked that I let you know that he tried to contact you about Dr. Ross' condition. He said he trusts Dr. Banner as a character reference, and admires Dr. Ross' self control. He called you 'Mr. Stark' during the communiqué. He understands if you are 'really pissed', to quote him, and offered to talk or spar, as you wish, later. He seemed fatigued… and anxious to spend time with Miss Lewis."
Tony huffed. "What's new about that?" He turned to Pepper. "I don't care if Betty Ross was a Girl Scout, and Bruce thinks she's swell! I want to know what in holy hell gives Rogers the right to put you and Rhodey in danger?! What if she'd transformed while they were flying here? Was Rhodey supposed to handle a rage monster all on his own? And, after he left her here with YOU, how were you supposed to deal with that alone?" Pepper looked at Tony with compassion. He stood and paced in front of the sofa, ranting, "I can't lose you! I don't want to lose Rhodey, either! I ought to take every damned drone I've created, and go wake Cap with a thousand punches to the face! See how he likes it if I put Darcy in danger! And, Barnes lives on Cap's floor, so, maybe he could get in the middle of it, too! If it was the other way around…? If I endangered Barnes and Lewis, wouldn't he be in my face?!"
Pepper held up her hands, placating. "Please, calm yourself! The Captain was right to send Betty away from there to me, if only for the safety of the team. I wasn't alone. I have JARVIS and the guard drones. You put them in place to look after me, Tony! Do you think it would have been better to keep her in the middle of things? What if she'd transformed there? How would Hulk have reacted? Would he have remained focused on defeating Blonsky? Would the Avengers' team dynamic have held up?"
Pepper raised a brow and frowned pointedly. "The Captain was right. Betty Ross displays remarkable control, especially given all that she survived today. I felt almost no threat from her."
Tony shuddered, swallowing bile. "What do you mean almost? You felt threatened?!"
Pepper pointed a finger and pronounced, "THAT was YOUR doing."
Tony's look of disbelieving rage caused Pepper to laugh at him. "Betty recognized Darcy from TV. It was obvious that she saw Darcy in Bruce's arms, laughing with him. Remember your press conference after the first Vorm attack? You arranged that media opportunity with great care, if I'm not mistaken." Tony shrugged, and rolled his eyes. Pepper's frown intensified. "I didn't say enough then about the way you behaved towards Darcy. I understood you were fighting Steve for control of the Avengers Initiative. I understand that's a complicated dynamic for you, in part because of Howard. But, you were an absolute ass, and still owe her an apology for the way you used her, and the way you talked to her. Tonight, I only worried for Dr. Ross' control when she looked at Darcy, or heard Darcy talk about Bruce. A meter on Betty's watch registered an elevated pulse rate, every time."
Tony's grin was dark. "JARVIS, tell Cap he put Darcy in even more danger than Pepper, with his stupidity."
Pepper growled, "NO! JARVIS, disregard Tony's last order! Let the poor man get some sleep!" She set her work aside, and gave Tony her best quelling look.
He stopped his pacing and yelped, "Shit! Don't look at me like that, Pep!"
She stared at him without saying a word. He squirmed, sighed, and sat back down beside her. She took his hand in hers and assured him. "I'm fine, Tony. I'm fine."
OOOOO
Hours later, Hulk receded, sated. Bruce closed his eyes, tight. He used all his focus, breathing, and mind-control techniques as he returned to human form. For Betty... Betty curled against his side, her head on his shoulder. They were both naked. Bruce had never wished to remember what 'the other guy' did. He did now. Oh! Did he ever! He looked at a clock on the wall, shocked at how much time had passed… happily. He wished to remember it all, a desperate wish. Carnal satisfaction eased through his body, but confused his mind. He couldn't remember the source of the physical lassitude he felt. It was disconcerting, to put it mildly.
Betty chuckled, a dry and fragile sound. "Meet Red She-Hulk. That's what that asshole McGee called her when I had the first incident, a few days ago. It's what he would have published, if the General hadn't gotten hold of him first. I don't know what hole the General put him in." She shrugged, "and then… my father decided to visit. It had been years."
She frowned, her voice quivering. "I'm sorry for letting myself end up as bait to ensnare you, Bruce. Thank you for coming, and bringing your new friends to help."
Bruce shook his head, tears welling as his emotions whirled. "YOU have nothing to apologize for… except, the chance you took with me just now." He stared at her watch lying on the floor nearby, noticing the heart-rate meter and the stretched band, and wincing at the sight of it. He closed his eyes and breathed in and out, conscious of Betty copying him.
She shrugged and grimaced, with just enough lack of concern to slice through him. Obviously, she was unafraid of 'the other guy' now. He grumbled. "You couldn't know how 'the other guy' would react, Betty!" He stared at her, his expression stark as fear and anger ebbed… and anguish surged.
Tears pooled in his eyes, and began to track down his cheeks. She gasped as she felt him begin to shake and shudder. Her whisper of "Bruce!" echoed brokenly in the room. After a moment, he shattered, sobbing. He tried to pull away, but she didn't let him. Instead, she let her own emotions flow, tears and cries breaking free. Betty stroked his cheek while she cried, and he covered her hand with his own while he released his anguish.
In a low, tormented tone he murmured, "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry this happened! All you've lost! Oh! I'm so sorry!" Sobs continued to wrack his body, mingling with her mournful cries. He quieted finally. "I'm so sorry you never got to have children, Betty."
Silence hung between them for a long moment.
Betty's throat tightened. "I'm sorry I never got to have your child." She closed her eyes, and then snuggled against him. At a whisper, she added, "I didn't even know I wanted that. We were so young, so arrogant, and foolish…" She wiped her eyes and held to him more tightly, staring at nothing and remembering.
Bruce forced himself to stop crying. He knew that his grief over what had happened to Betty was secondary to her well-being, and her needs. He watched, looking her over and trying to analyze her expression. "How did Blue change you, Betty?"
She shrugged, and quirked a tragic grin. "That's a question worth study, Bruce. I guess I'm in the right place, after all." She swiped at her cheek, and let out a ragged breath. "Radiation exposure… I guess Gamma, at least in part. There were injections, too. They hurt. A lot. I remember that, and the acid trip you mentioned… and, rage." She frowned. "You didn't mention that to me, the all-encompassing rage, so, maybe I have more in common with Blonsky than with you…?"
Bruce growled. "You have NOTHING in common with Blonsky!" He looked away. "I didn't want to admit what I am…"
She turned back to him, and choked back a sob. "Stop protecting me! You're not my father, Bruce! I swear, for a genius..." Her expression shifted; her grin a bit manic... "I've decided against that convoluted name nonsense you embrace, by the way. Other girl? Insulting. Other lady? Silly. Other woman? Degrading. I'll go by Red She-Hulk, thank you. McGee's a prick, but he has a way with words."
Bruce breathed out impatiently. "How many times have you transformed?"
She looked back out the window. "This was the third. The first time was when Blue… worked on me. I don't know what became of him, whether I did something to him, or just… ran. I woke in our cave in the mountains, naked. It was dicey to get back home without getting so mad at people that I would transform again, I'll tell you!. When I returned to my house, all of campus was abuzz with discussion of a red monster." She swallowed hard. "The second time, I woke up in that cage at the base, with my father ranting at me for putting myself in harm's way by loving you. He thinks you caused it. He blames you." She blinked back tears again.
Bruce spoke evenly. "Please… don't incite my rage against HIM. He's prisoner here. I'm afraid of 'the other guy's' reaction to that fact. I'm gonna be 'talking myself down' a lot, for a long time to come…"
Betty nodded and wiped away a tear, "I know what you mean! I was so afraid that I would transform around people, and hurt someone! If I killed my own father?! Despite… everything… I tried to think of you, and all the things you told me about your efforts to control it!" There was a pure belief in him in her expression, so bright and clear that it almost blinded him.
Bruce smiled with bittersweet pride in her. "See! You're nothing like Blonsky. He WANTS to hurt, to give pain, to conquer." Bruce wondered if Blonsky was the new ruler of Svartalfheim; if he 'conquered' all others the Avengers sent there. It was an ugly, violent imagining… that seemed likely. He sighed, a long and sad sound. "I… I hope you can forgive me for my fear of hurting you, now that…"
She huffed and nodded, grumbling, "now that I'm dangerous, too…" Betty grinned, grimly, and then looked at him with a slight pout. "Are you being truthful with me about your relationship with that girl? You were laughing with her, holding her in your arms!"
Bruce sat back. "Really? With all that has happened… you want to get into the silly games that Tony Stark was playing? He made it look like there was something between me and Darcy to keep Captain America off balance. Darcy rightfully called it 'an Alpha Dog pissing contest' between Tony and Cap."
Betty wrinkled her nose in confusion, and Bruce's heart nearly skipped a beat. It was little things like that. He had missed the way she wrinkled her nose. God! He had missed her. He blinked back more tears. "It's good to see you, again, Betty."
She smiled brilliantly, feeling affection flow from him. "You, too!" She laughed, helpless against the joy of feeling wanted by him.
He sighed as she looked at him expectantly. "Darcy is with Steve, Captain America. They're nauseatingly cute young lovers. She and I are friends. I haven't been with anyone as more than friends, no one since you. Of course, Tony has Pepper, and Thor has Jane. I think Natasha is with Clint, but they play EVERYTHING close to the vest, so…" He shrugged.
Betty frowned. "Cozy, for all! I'm afraid I wasn't friendly to her when I was brought to their lounge area." Bruce made a face, and huffed Tony's name. Betty added, "to hear them talk about how you told THEM that you missed me, or that you do yoga together, and work together?" She bit her lip. "It hurt, Bruce! Why haven't you been in touch at all? It felt like you stopped caring." He shook his head, looking anguished.
Tears filled her eyes again. "I can't help wonder, why? Why did you come for me today? Was it to get back at my father, or was it just about his new friends? Did it have anything to do with me? Was it just from a sense of obligation… or guilt?" She shook her head and growled. "I guess it's asking too much to be allowed to share my true feelings. I'm dangerous, now…. if I FEEL…"
Bruce shook his head. "You have every right to express your feelings, Betty! Your cells have been altered, not your soul…" He lay back, processing his thoughts and feelings. Now that Betty, the person he loved most in the world, was changed... He had an inkling of how Tony, Darcy, and the others could stand to be around him, and encourage him not to be so hard on himself. He sighed heavily. "Damn… I just…"
He shook his head and looked into Betty's eyes. "I love you, Betty. I never stopped loving you, and I don't think that I ever will."
She touched his face and whispered. "Bruce…" Her breath shuddered, and she shook her head. "So… Why?"
Bruce's expression shifted between a grimace and a grin. "Since the first incident, it's like you just said. I've felt dangerous to people around me, worrying if I have an incident, I might harm them." Betty frowned. He held up a hand, and shrugged slightly. "In my defense, I have blind spots. I don't love myself even a tenth as much as I love you. Did I mention that I love you?" She smiled, a warm and happy look that caused Bruce's heart to swell.
He huffed a reluctant laugh. "You have every right to be angry, and to express it. My feelings are far beyond any obligation or guilt. I love you, but I'm still dangerous! I've worked hard to control the incidents better, but I haven't found a true cure. Blue's 'treatment' only halted that one incident… as you know. My attempts to broaden the scope of that have failed."
Betty tilted her head and smirked. "New York is grateful… the world, too, last time I checked the news."
Bruce sighed. "SHIELD brought me in to help against the Chitauri and Loki. I stayed because… I found a safe haven… and friendship. Tony is nearly as accepting of me as you are. Darcy's been a good friend, too. I hope she isn't upset after the incident I had earlier. She was in the lab with me. And, the Avengers… are good for me. It gives me some hope… being able to help out. I know that if I lose all control, I'm with the people best able to handle it, people I can trust, too."
Betty pursed her lips. "Who knows? Maybe I could help out like that, too… save the world!" She looked thoughtful and chuckled. "It's a far cry from the way I've been treated most of my life… so fragile." Bruce's eyes flashed green, and she laughed at him openly. "Are you kidding me?! You don't think I could be an asset? Apparently, I can handle you!"
He grinned wryly. "I need to see more before I can answer that… But, I don't like the idea of you in battle! 'The other guy' tends to attract some nasty attention. If your other form…"
She interrupted gruffly. "Not other! Red She-Hulk! Or 'She-Hulk'. Or, maybe 'Red'.'"
He chuckled and smiled. "Fine… If Red She-Hulk is anything like 'the other guy'…"
Betty grinned. "Hulk."
Bruce shook his head. "Maybe... to everybody else. Pardon me, if I don't follow McGee's marketing plan!" He huffed. "I was TRYING to tell you... People keep looking for ways to take down 'the other guy,' and it feels like a matter of time before they happen on something that works. I don't want you to be in the line of fire…"
Betty laughed. "If they're gonna radiate and cage me? If my own father is going to hand me over to some sort of Neo-Nazi group? I think I'm already in the line of fire! So, I deserve an action figure and 'my' image on a lunch box!" Her grin was fierce.
Bruce shook his head. "Why so silly, Betty?"
She grinned. "You said you love me!"
He smiled, pulled her closer, and kissed her cheek. He almost held his breath as their lips met. She embraced him, too. "Stop wasting our time, Bruce! Stop pushing me away for my own good. Let's… figure out what they did to me, and, if we still have time or not…"
Bruce pulled back, stricken. "Are you unwell? Are you in pain? What do you mean?"
Her eyes widened. "Blue's crazy, Bruce! I don't know what he did. He's the one who changed Blonsky to an Abomination! His babble was just that, babble! You heard him! He wasn't right in the head, even before he changed." She took a breath. "And, they had something that sedated me, prevented me from transforming. Maybe Blue worked with them, and synthesized it based on his version of the serum. I brought a sample back with me, and gave it to your friend, Darcy. She said she would pass it to you to analyze."
Bruce's eyes flashed green again. He nodded once. "Let's go to the lab and get readings and samples. Radiation readings, blood samples, tissue samples… Sorry about that. Those hurt… and…"
She smiled slightly and nodded. "I'd appreciate it if you help me figure it out." He saw that she was trembling. Their lips met again, a familiar sensation, yet an exotic one after so long.
Distress colored his reactions. He pulled her close against him again, shuddering. "Please be alright!"
Tears came to Betty's eyes. "Obviously, I can't make promises… But… I want to be… and, I want to be with you. Friends first, I suppose, at least when we're human. I don't think that Red She-Hulk has much... reserve. But, it's been a while, and I'm still pretty upset with you. You…"
He nodded. "I didn't show you proper respect, and took away your right to make your own decisions. Captain America, Steve, lectured me about that on our flight back from Virginia."
Betty squinted at Bruce. "Well… yeah. Okay. Good. He's right. I like him. And, I'm angry that you did that, Bruce!" He shifted so that their cheeks touched. He nuzzled against her neck, and she shuddered. He shuddered in response and felt himself hardening against her. She gasped. "Testing. We need to get on that." Betty inhaled against Bruce's neck, and whispered. "Scent memory…Oh!" He shifted slightly, and inhaled deeply, fractionally nodding his head and savoring overwhelming feelings. Bruce kissed her cheek with wistfulness, long-repressed memories taking hold of him. Betty pressed her face to his shoulder. They lay against each other, holding each other close, relishing the togetherness, feeling desire, and hoping a time would come when they could express it… and remember the pleasure.
Betty chuckled as Bruce's stomach growled. She kissed his shoulder and asked, "Hungry?"
Bruce grinned ruefully, "Famished! It takes it out of me, the transformations, especially uncontrolled." She nodded, looking pensive as she rested her chin against his shoulder. He offered. "The others are having take-out food and watching movies, comedies tonight. You want to go?"
She shook her head, and pulled away from him. "No, thank you. I want to do those preliminary tests, then return to my quarters and see if I can get some food and rest. I'm hungry, too, now that you mention it. I have a lot to think about, and need some time to myself. I'm not ready for a campfire atmosphere yet, or comedies. You go. Eat. Celebrate the victory over Hydra with your friends..."
Bruce cleared his throat. "When testing shows that you ARE well, and that everything's fine..." She made a face at him, and he shrugged, "we need to learn more about your transformation. What triggers it? What doesn't? What is the duration, strength of… Red She-Hulk."
Betty looked at him evenly. "I trust you, Bruce."
He nodded. "I'll be grateful if I can help you with this, Betty."
She took a deep breath. "Please, let me know how I apply to work in the Biology laboratory here, too."
Bruce nodded. "First, initial testing. I'll come up with a comprehensive plan for further testing, after we get those results. If you have any safety concerns… alert JARVIS. He's everywhere. I'll schedule you a complete physical in the Healing Ward. I work with them a fair amount, and will manage your files myself. I'll deal with Tony. Then, I'll touch base with Darcy about getting you set up with funding, materials, and your own lab. You should get to know her. She manages all the labs, and she's nice. Tony's been nosing around, asking about you already. He wants you here. Your expertise is needed. We're not the only ones in the Tower who have had serums. There's a lot of work for you here."
She looked him in the eye, "And, who kept Stark from talking to me, if that's the case?" Bruce shrugged, and looked contrite. She sighed, and made a face as she guessed that her father had also had a role in that. "Before any of that, I need to let Mr. Stark and the others know about… Red She-Hulk." Bruce nodded agreement. Betty hesitated… "How do you work that into conversation?"
He shrugged. "It usually came up for me after an incident… That's kind of hard to miss." Bruce realized that his transformation would have been reported to Tony and Steve. It was hard to imagine Tony NOT accessing a video feed when that call came in. Bruce suppressed a chuckle as he imagined Tony's reaction to what had followed. He decided not to mention that to Betty quite yet… and to ask JARVIS a few questions, when he had the chance.
She chewed on her lip, thinking. "I don't mean to seem cowardly, but… people might be alarmed. I'd rather not do it face to face, if I don't have to."
Bruce smiled slightly. "Then, ask JARVIS to relay a message to Tony and Steve. Though, I think Steve knows, unless I've got less of a read on him than I thought…"
Betty nodded. "I had to fight to keep control, while they were helping me escape. It was… upsetting. He saw my eyes."
Bruce smirked. "Upsetting? That's one word for it…" He shook his head in disbelief, and muttered, "What amazing control!"
She took a deep breath and spoke clearly. "JARVIS?"
JARVIS replied, "Yes, Dr. Ross?"
Betty cleared her throat. "Please, relay a message to Mr. Stark and the Captain... The General handed me over to Hydra and tried to lure Hulk in for capture, after he discovered that I transform. I was altered by a previous associate of ours, Dr. Samuel Sterns, a.k.a. 'Mr. Blue'. He exposed me to Gamma Radiation, maybe other types as well, and used injections. I transform into a 'Red She-Hulk'. After my second incident, I woke in Hydra custody where the Avengers found me. I… think I was lured into that cage, perhaps by the General, though I cannot say why I think that. The risk of my transforming, as compared to the risk of Bruce transforming? It's unknown. Bruce has offered to do tests to determine what they did to me, in greater detail, and assist me. But, if anyone wishes for me to leave the premises, I understand. I would like for you to reply either, 'please go' or 'please stay' for now. Thank you."
She took a deep breath. Bruce could feel and see her trembling. He stroked her back as he considered her words, and the likely reaction of his friends. He had no doubt of the replies. He urged her. "Relax. You can trust them both."
JARVIS spoke again, less than a minute later. "Both Mr. Stark and the Captain replied 'please stay', Dr. Ross."
Betty gasped. "Oh… I'm glad we can trust your friends …" She wiped her eyes and smiled at Bruce. She glanced at the computer. It and the desk it was on were among the few things in the gymnasium that were undamaged.
Bruce sighed. "I didn't intend for you to read 'letters' unless I died, but I'm glad if reading it helps you now. I've written a lot about all the people here in the Tower, and all that they've done for me. I trust the other Avengers with my life. I trust them with your life."
She nodded. "It's an interesting read." She sighed, and shifted away from him. "It surprised me that you were writing to me… gave me hope for the first time in too long…"
He took a breath and shrugged. "Read anything you want, Betty. It's all for you, about you… I'm done with secrets, done making decisions for you. Please accept my apologies… and my help. I want…"
Betty nodded. "I'd appreciate your help." She smiled slightly. "Just seeing you helps. Not only because I've missed you, but also because… you're handling this… problem. You've already learned so much about it. It's not isolating you from the world, despite all the General's efforts." She frowned angrily at the thought of all the General had put Bruce through.
Bruce's expression hardened. "Things will be different for you, Betty. I can promise that. I had mixed feelings about keeping the General in custody. Not now. I helped design the containment mechanism. He won't get out!"
Betty tilted her head. "I just saw a strong similarity between you and Hulk, Bruce." She winked at him. "It's kind of sexy."
He lifted his chin. "Neither of us is willing to compromise on your safety. You've seen the worst of that. Now, I hope to show you the best…"
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Let's go. I want to see your lab."
He smiled. "I've got some new flavors of tea I think you'll like." She reached for his hand. He hesitated. "Being seen close to an Avenger can be dangerous."
She smiled slightly. "I believe I'm up to that challenge." He swallowed hard, and nodded agreement. She got up and put her clothes back on. He got sweats out of a locker. They were both aware of the other, but moved with un-self-consciousness borne of long familiarity.
Once in his lab, she walked around, exploring the yoga area, his work areas, and Darcy's. She asked about projects he was working on, both of them knowing that her analysis and treatment would take precedence for the foreseeable future. His initial readings were informative, if not entirely comforting. The radiation indicators in her cells were complex, and frightful.
Back at her door, he wished her a good day. "You have everything you need?" As their gazes met and held, both remembered a night he hid at her house at Culver, years after his first incident. She'd asked if he had everything he needed… and, he'd wondered how he could… without her by his side.
She touched his hand. "Thank you, Bruce! Have a nice day. Enjoy your time with your friends."
Bruce looked at her searchingly. "I hope you get some rest."
Betty smiled, and closed the door gently. She stood by it, thinking for a long time, and knowing that if she opened the door she would find Bruce on the other side, doing the same. She touched the door, her palm flat against it, and finally walked into the guest quarters kitchen.
to be continued...
OOOOO
Notes:
Red She-Hulk- In Marvel Comics, Betty Ross eventually becomes Red She-Hulk. I'm, obviously, not attempting to embrace all of the complexity of 60+ yrs of comic lore. Rather, I'm picking and choosing from it as I like for my AU. Betty's story in the comics is BEYOND tragic. But, I thought that having Betty become a Hulk in this story would provoke her father against her and Bruce, and I thought it would open interesting possibilities between Bruce and his long-time love.
Bruce's childhood- In comics, young Bruce Banner was abused by his father. He attributes some of his inner rage and defensiveness to the experience.
"Daisy Bell"- In 1961, an IBM 704 at Bell Labs was programmed to 'sing' "Daisy Bell." It was the earliest known demonstration of computer speech synthesis. Science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke witnessed the demonstration. He referenced it in the 1968 novel and film 2001: A Space Odyssey. The HAL 9000 computer sings "Daisy Bell" during its gradual deactivation. - In Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the character Skye hears the tune in a dream sequence. It is later revealed that her father and mother sang the song to her when she was a baby. It is foreshadowing of her real name and identity.