March 2012

Elizabeth's POV

It has almost been a year on the dot since Bruce had left to keep ourselves safe. I had only received a handful of letters maybe one every other month, unfortunately I have been unable to reply to them. Bruce felt it wouldn't be safe to do so, but I do know he was safe and well somewhere in the middle of India helping take care of the sick there.

Since that night Bruce left I have graduated, finished my student teaching and have become a full-fledged high school biology teacher. My family is proud of me, I just wish that Bruce were here to be proud as well. At first my family were understanding about Bruce's absence, but now they're all wondering if he left me or died or something. They all worry about myself, I see why, but I can't tell them anything other than Bruce left on an extended research opportunity in some remote location. But they're still worried, so am I, not about myself that is. About Bruce.

In his last letter that was three months ago, right after the new year, Bruce had written and talked about how he might not be able to write for a while, he fears he's been found and that's how he ended the letter. I can't help but worry about him and if he's safe. Fortunately I have to go to work early today and it helps to keep my mind from wondering to Bruce and what could have happened.

So far the day has went by normally, now I can head home make a quick dinner and grade the mound of neglected homework assignments. unfortunately I spoke too soon and my day turned from normal to past abnormal. I start walking up to the door of our apartment and it's unlocked. I know for a fact that I locked the door and double checked that I had locked it. Something that Bruce always made fun of me for, but one could never be too sure.

So being me I was curious and opened the door, i cautiously walked inside. So far there didn't look to be anyone inside the living room or the bedroom, I know that because you can see from the front door inside when the door is open. That leaves the bathroom, hall closet, or the kitchen.

Right as I was going to walk and check the kitchen a man in a black coat and an eyepatch walked out of said place. I didn't know whether to scream, run, or keel over, so I stood frozen. The man stopped walking closer when he was about five feet away.

"Elizabeth Beckener, word is you know the Hulk." I didn't expect him to jump right into me knowing Hulk.

"I don't know what you're talking about and I certainly don't know who the hell you are and why you think it's appropriate to break into my home." I wanted answers and I'll be damned if I don't get them, I mean who does he think he is asking me about Hulk?

"Now no need to lie, I know you know the Hulk or should I refer to him as Dr. Bruce Banner?"

"I still don't know what you are talking about."

"Really? Because this picture of you and this man who looks eerily similar to Banner, just slipped your mind?" At this point I was glaring at him.

"Why are you here and what have you done to Bruce?"

"I haven't done anything, but simply recruit him for some research."

"Don't lie to me, what have you done to him? How did you find him, he left to avoid being "recruited"!"

"Now, now I should have started out with I'm Director Fury of SHIELD, and we've run across a problem you could say that requires Dr. Banner's knowledge on gamma radiation."

"Is that all it requires?"

"Yes, Miss Beckener, it is, but seeing as the Doctor may feel uncomfortable or become easily agitated I felt we should have someone aboard who could calm him down or if push comes contain the Hulk shall he make an appearance."

"So why are you here talking to me?"

"Because you are that person from our records you are the only person known to approach let alone converse with the Hulk and live to tell the tale."

"Do I have a choice in the matter?"

"No, no you really don't. but you do get to see your finance again, congratulations by the way."

Which is how I'm now on a jet heading to SHIELD headquarters to be a human ridoline apparently. The only reason I didn't argue a whole lot was because I would get to see Bruce again.