"Your 20, Widow?" Captain America asks into the com.

"A coupla yards from you."

"And everyone else's status?"

"Iron Man and Thor are dealing with stragglers and Hawkeye's on standby with the quinjet. We've lost visual of Hulk, so I suspect Banner will be popping up somewhere."

"Yea, about that… One of the reasons I contacted you is 'cause I've got Hulk here and he's sorta holding Bruce hostage."

"Holding him hostage? What, how?"

"He won't calm done enough to change back. He says he wants to stay the Hulk."

Steve can almost detect Natasha's eye roll. "Oh great."

"No kidding. Where's Stark again, this is usually his area?"

"Still on 32nd."

"Ok… fine scratch that plan."

Steve sighs inwardly. He and his fellow Avengers had fought relentlessly for hours and he had wanted to do nothing more than gather his battle weary teammates and go home. They were all tired, sore, and desperate for nourishment, but here he was babysitting the Hulk on the corner behind an upturned bus.

"You need a tranq?" Nat offers, "I can have Barton there in less than five?"

"Nah, those are last measure resources. This situation calls for more delicacy."

"Luckily delicacy is my specialty. Give me a minute, I'll assist."

"Thanks, I owe you 'tasha."

Steve looks over to the Hulk, mouth set in a pout and huge green arms crossed against his chest.

"I know Tony usually handles you, but you're forcing my hand, Hulk. Nat'll be here soon."

Hulk's head lifts in recognition. "Scary red head lady?"

Steve bites back a laugh, "Yes her, and you and I both know how she has a short patience for stubbornness."

"Me no want to see her." Declares Hulk, petulantly.

"I can't say I blame you, buddy. But we can settle this now -just you and I- and not have to involve her at all. Whadduya say?"

Hulk merely grumbles in response.

"Too late, I'm already here." Natasha says, appearing round the corner.

With hands on hips, she levels the Hulk with a disapproving glare, "You wanna explain why you're givin' Cap a hard time?"

"Hulk say no fair Banner gets to celebrate. Hulk fight, Hulk celebrate too."

Natasha turns to Steve, "What is he talking about?"

"I think he wants to be included in our after battle tradition. You know, hanging out over a few drinks, maybe enjoying a meal. Just celebrating our victory and the fact we're still alive."

"Ahh that." She turns back around to jab a finger toward Hulk, "So, 'cause you can't join the after party, you decide to pull a temper tantrum?"

Hulk re-crosses his arms and huffs loudly, providing all the answer she needs.

"Alright, maybe you need incentive. A simple request, and I'll have Tony cease all designs on project 'smash room.' That is, if you still intend on being pig-headed."

Steve understood her play and it was a smart one. Though still under construction, the "smash room" was no more than a glorified playpen for Hulk at basement level. Needless to say, he was very attached to the idea of it.

"But Hulk likes to smash! Smashing fun!" He whines.

"Your bad behavior won't be rewarded." Natasha scolds, "Those are the consequences."

Oddly enough, the giant rage monster looked on the verge of crying radioactive tears. Even Steve starts to feel sorry for him.

Nat's expression softens and she crooks a finger, "C'mere."

Hulk quits sniffling then does his best to lean down to her height.

"I'll make you a deal. You and I can go right now and celebrate over pizza, but after that you have to let Dr. Banner return. Promise?"

Hulk grumbles something again, then bobs his head begrudgingly in agreement.

"Don't disappoint me." She says, inflicting her parental tone on him once more.

"Hulk promise." He says more solemnly.

He stretches out his gigantic palm for her and Natasha hops on and gives his thumb a pat.

"Good Hulk."

Sitting, she swings her legs around, "Cap, tell the pizza joint down on 2nd to have a dozen pies ready."

"Sure thing."

Steve waits a moment for Hulk to carefully lift her up, "Oh, and Nat, nicely handled."

"You're welcome!" She singsongs as the Hulk trudges her off and down the road.

A/N: Never thought I'd see the day I'd give Hulk dialogue. Must be watching too many Avenger's Assemble Cartoons . (▰˘◡˘▰)