Bruce squinted, blinking his eyes at the sudden light.

He was lying on his bed, under the covers.

He looked around.

And jumped.

Natasha was sitting next to the bed, head in her arms which were propped on the bed.

She was fast asleep.

Bruce slowly and carefully lifted the covers, not wanting to wake her.

He knew from experience if someone woke her up, they would end up on the floor with a knife to their throats.

Tony had figured this out the hard way.

She was also a very light sleeper, so he was extra careful.

Bruce slid out of the bed, and found that he was wearing only torn black pants.

What happened?

His heart sank.

Hulk must have made an appearance.

Bruce showered, and put on some clothes.

When he came out of the bathroom, there was a note from Natasha saying: Grabbing other Avengers. Will be back soon.

Bruce set down the note, and threw himself on the couch, overwhelmed with worry.

If he had done any real damage, Asgard may wage war with earth.

Bruce put his head in his hands.

"no. No. NO. NO!"

He had ruined everything. Earth and Asgard would destroy each other, billions would die.

He had done so much damage.

The universe would be safer without him.

He stood slowly, eyes drifting to the open balcony facing the rainbow bridge.

He walked over.

Such a long way up...

Even Hulk couldn't survive that fall.

Bruce climbed up on the balcony.

He hesitated, thinking of Natasha.

What would she think of him?

Would she hate him?

Would she even care if he died?

Bruce had no one but the Avengers.

But the Avengers were strong.

They could handle his death.

Natasha was strong.

He took a deep breath, and readied himself to jump.

Until he heard a broken cry scream "BRUCE!"

He turned. The Avengers were standing at his doorway, with looks of shock.

Natasha was running toward him, mouth open, and Bruce knew she had been the one to shout.

He took a step backward, but forgot there was open air behind him.

His last thought as himself was I don't want to die before the green monster raging within him broke loose.

A powerful green hand grabbed the balcony, hanging on for dear life.

Natasha's stricken face appeared over the railing.

She screamed for help.

A rope was lowered, and Hulk grabbed on and was pulled up, to safety.

Natasha tackled the green giant into a hug.

Many though the Hulk was a mindless beast, but they were wrong. Many thoughts were racing through his head.

Natasha doesn't want me to die.