Chapter 14

AN: I am soooooo sorry this has taken a million years to update. I am sure all of my loyal followers have lost faith that this will ever be finished. But this is the final chapter, when I originally started this story this chapter would have been split up into four to five chapters. But since I took three years to update, I figured that I would give the rest to you!

It's been about a month or so since I've been aboard the helicarrier, and since then they have caught Loki. Bruce and Tony are so close to locating the tesseract that we all can pretty much smell it. We were in the lab and Tony decided to break the silence.

"So Small Fry," the nickname he has taken to calling me. " How did you end up with the mean green angry machine?"

"Tony!?" Bruce exclaimed looking up from his work.

"It's alright Bruce, he saved me from being raped one night and it started from there. Well if yo want to be technical Hulk saved me and I started a friendship with him before I met Bruce and fell in love with both of them and BAM. Here we are today." I said while smiling at Bruce.

"Wait! You met the Hulk and he saved you?!:

"Yes, is that so hard to believe?"

"Quite frankly, yes."

"You know what I find so hard to believe Tony?" He looked questionly at me, "that Pepper hasn't killed you yet for all the flirting with other women you do." That made Bruce and I laugh, but the scowl on Tony's face made us laugh even harder.

Two weeks later

It's been over two weeks now and so far nothing other than annoying Tony of course. As well as Bruce and I getting readjusted to each other again. I just can't believe that we've been apart for a year, I'm just waiting until we can both go home and start our lives together. To do so we just need to find the tesseract, but Loki isn't cooperating, so I've heard or more like Tony eavesdropped. Tony told us that they were going to send Romanoff in to interrogate him. Apparently that will be happening sometime today. Until then Tony, Bruce, and I are stuck in the lab trying to pinpoint the tesseract, or Bruce is and Tony is trying to hack into Shield's system. That is he's succeeding and Star Spangled Steve (Who I just learned his name) walked in and started something but I decided not to pay attention.

"Don't you agree Elizabeth?"

"Huh, what?" Bruce smiled behind his screen, while Tony looked bewildered.

"How did you not hear anything that just happened? Are you deaf?" I went to say something back, but Bruce beat me to it.

"No Lizzy just tends to zone out at random intervals, right Liz?" I just blushed and turned to where I heard someone walk into the lab, Fury. They started to talk about the tesseract, but somehow they got on the topic of phase 2 and I could feel the tension levels rise in the room. So I tried to make my way to Bruce without calling attention to myself. Steve, Tony, Fury, and Bruce all broke out into a full blown argument. Natasha Romanoff entered the lab at this point.

"Do you think you should remove yourself from the lab Dr. Banner?" Oh no she didn't, Bruce's tension levels were elevating, so I put my hand on his upper arm, Bruce flashed me a brief smile before turning back to the argument. Somehow though Bruce ended up with Loki's spear in his hand.

"I was pretty well removed, I was in Calcutta! I got low and put a bullet in my mouth…" I gasped although I knew about the incident, I had never heard Bruce talk about it. I knew he was really upset, so I grabbed his hand and squeezed to let him know I was still there. They all continued to argue while I gave all my attention to Bruce and making sure he doesn't 'over excite' himself. Luckily a beeping started.

"Guess you kids don't get to see my party trick today." Bruce walked over to the monito, not letting me go, meaning he dragged me over there as well, not that I minded of course.

"The tesseract its's-" Bruce was cut off by an explosion. I couldn't see anything, but I knew Bruce had grabbed me and we fell. I don't know how far or where, but once the dust settled I could see again. I saw Romanoff under a beam trying to locate Bruce as well. I ran over to help her with her leg.

"Bruce, have you seen him?" She shook her head, then we both heard a groan, which definitely came from Bruce. I looked back at Natasha and her eyes were wide. She then started to frantically free her leg. I could tell there wasn't much I could do to really help her. I went to find Bruce and thankfully he wasn't too far away, but I could see Hulk trying to come out. I rushed to him.

"Bruce, come on fight it." He just grunted and I could see his skin turning green. "Hulk, Hulk honey now isn't the time, please, please let Bruce back, please for me?" He then looked at me, but I could tell he was too far into changing to stop, he then began to grow larger, he began to spazz a little and fell off the platform. "Hulk!" I heard him roar, but before I could go to him Natasha pulled my arm and tugged me to follow her. "No, I can't leave him! Stop!" She didn't' listen, we both heard Hulk move he was right in front of us. "Hulk! Hulk honey!" Natasha looked at me as if I was crazy. Hulk looked at Natasha's grip on my arm.

"Flower?: I smiled.

"Yes Hulk it's me Flower."

"Bruce run from Flower." He began to walk towards us, Natasha then tugged my arm harder and began to run.

"No Natasha, don't run, at least let me go!"

"Negative." This I could tell angered Hulk.

"No take Flower from Hulk!" He began to chase us, I tried to free my arm, but she wouldn't have it, even after Thor began to fight Hulk. The only chance I had was when the jet started to shoot at Hulk.

"No! Stop you're hurting him." Hulk looked over at me, while I was running to him, he grabbed me and cradled me to his body to protect me form the bullets and jumped on the jet. The next thing I knew we were free falling through the sky. I hugged Hulk closer, I heard him murmur, "my flower" before curling into a ball, me in the middle and his back facing the ground. I must have blacked out because I didn't remember the landing at all. I looked down at Hulk he was unconscious and was starting to shrink, so I crawled off of him. I sat there stroking his face until he woke up. He slowly opened his eyes.

"Hey there."

"Hey."

"Are you an alien or something?" Both Bruce and I jumped. I didn't know that someone was in the warehouse with us. Luckily he saw us land and had extra clothes and an old beat up motorcycle we could use. Bruce and I had to stop for some gas, good thing I had my card in my pocket. While the bike was filling up Bruce turned to look at me.

"So what happened?"

"Well the explosion cause Hulk to appear. Natasha dragged me and tried to run, Hulk didn't like that, and then tried to get me back a jet started to shoot at you and to keep me safe, Hulk grabbed me and jumped on the jet and we began to free fall. He protected me by curling around my body and I guess I blacked out and woke just before you did." Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I shouldn't put you in danger like that."

"Hey now Bruce," I said walking over and wrapping my arms around him, "You can and never will get rid of me, plus it was Natasha's fault. She shouldn't have ran and tried to pull me away from Hulk, she didn't listen to me. So don't blame yourself or Hulk okay? You protected me no matter what." I leaned up and kissed him, no other words were needed and we then made our way to inner New York City. As we continued to get closer we saw….Aliens…. coming out of a portal in the sky?...wow….just wow. While gawking at the sky, I didn't realize that we drove up to the rest of the gang excluding Tony.

"Well this looks bad." Bruce said while helping me off the bike.

"I've seen worse." Natasha said.

"Sorry, 'bout that." Bruce replied while looking sheepish. I stepped forward.

"If you had listened to me that wouldn't have happened." Now Natasha looked sheepish.
"Well anyways we could use a little worse." By now Tony was leading a giant floating mechanical worm our way.

"Nows the time to get angry Dr. Banner." Bruce looked over at me and I nodded to Steve who after addressing Bruce moved closer, showing he would protect me. Bruce smiled and stepped towards the worm thing.

"That's my trick captian, I'm always angry." He then transformed into Hulk and punched the worm right in the nose, stopping it. Once it started to explode Steve covered Natasha and I with his shield. Once the dust settled Steve started barking orders, the last two orders were to Hulk to 'smash' and for me to find shelter.

"No." Steve and Natasha looked at me. "No, I'm not going to hide like a pansy, but I'm not going to fight." I added when they gave me pointed looks. "I will help people evacuate with the police. I'll be fine." They nodded and ran off to beat some alien ass. Hulk looked down at me.

"Hulk and Bruce if you can hear me," Hulk nodded that they both could, " when this is all over we're getting married alright?" Hulk gave me the biggest grin I've ever seen, I giggled. "I'll take that as a yes, now go smash alien butt and make it back to me. I love you both!"

Hulk stroked my cheek with a finger, " Hulk smash for love, Hulk come back."

I smiled, "Now go, go help Tony." With that Hulk jumped to help the others while I ran to help the NYPD evacuate buildings and send people below ground to keep them out of the war zone. This continued until I saw Tony in his Iron Man suit, fly a missile into the portal. I stopped what was I doing immediately and held my breath. After about ten seconds I felt tears start to fall. The portal was closing and there was no sign of Tony. Sure he could be annoying, but he was like an older brother, something I didn't have and I knew Bruce was fond of him as well.

At the last second I saw Hulk jump and catch a falling Tony and disappear between buildings. I couldn't help but let out a cheer and raced to Stark tower where I knew the others would be. Once I got close enough to see Steve, who I would later learn, Clint, and Hulk all standing over a now moving Tony, I called out to Hulk.

"Hulk! Hulk!" I continued to run to them, Hulk saw me and started to run towards me as well. This caused Clint to become worried and try to stop him, but I could see Steve telling him something to make him back off a bit. Finally I crashed into Hulk and he drew me up into his arms in a giant hug. I released him, but he didn't put me down, not that I minded. " Oh god, you're okay, you're okay!" I placed my hands on either side of his face and began kissing everywhere my lips could touch. I could feel Hulk squeeze me closer before he looked me in the eyes.

"Hulk safe, Flower safe."

"Yes, I'm safe as are you." I pulled him closer and just held him until I heard a cough behind Hulk.

"Hate to break this bizarre love fest up, but we still have Loki to deal with." Tony said while having the decency to look sheepish.

"Puny god," Hulk murmured. I couldn't help but giggle at that, well until he jumped up to get to the top floor of Stark tower. I clung onto Hulk as if my life depended on it, even though I knew that he would never let me fall, proven when we fell out of the helicarrier earlier. Once we got to Tony's penthouse, Hulk didn't let go of me, just held me while everyone stared down Loki. Who was just now rousing.

"If it's all the same to you, I'll have that drink now." Yeah, I don't think so buddy. Thor walked over to him and placed what I could only guess as magical handcuffs and a muzzle on him. Tony and I both laughed when Thor put them on Loki, it was just too funny. Not long after Thor chained Loki, did Shield come and place him in containment until Thor could take both Loki and the tesserat back to Asgard.

"Hulk?" He turned his head to me ,"Do you mind letting me down now? The puny god is caged, please?" Reluctantly he did, he brushed his finger along my cheek before he began to shrink back into Bruce. He stumbled forward a bit before he could coordinate. I was more than happy to steady him. Bruce once stable looked at me and smiled.

"So we're getting married huh?" oh, that cheeky man.

"Well you were the first one to ask, even though it was in a letter. But if it means that we can be with each other forever, then so be it." Bruce grinned before crashing his lips to mine, it wasn't until I ran my hand down his back that I realized Bruce was stark naked. I pulled away from the kiss, but still covered Bruce's front. "Uh Bruce…"

"What?"

"You're kind of naked right now." I saw his eyes go wide and his cheeks turn bright red. I looked over at the others and could see the men (not including Tony) trying to give us privacy with out looking over and Natasha glance over then snap her head back and look away with a red face when she saw Bruce was naked as well. As for Tony he was shamelessly looking at us while laughing his ass off. "Tony, would you mind getting something for Bruce to wear please?" I asked him.

"Took you both long enough to realize, for a moment I thought I'd have to find a spray bottle."

"Tony!" Bruce growled at him. Tony threw his hands up as if surrendering and wondered off to hopefully find Bruce some pants. I covered Bruce's front by hugging him, although neither of us minded until Tony came back with khakis and a black button up shirt.

Everyone had left by now to let Bruce get dressed. I buttoned up his shirt like I would use to before any of this had happened.

"I love you." Bruce said suddenly. I smiled.

"I love you too Bruce."

"I'm serious, once we are free from Shield we're going to the closest courthouse or chapel your pick and I am going to marry you."
"Sounds perfect!"

Bruce and I went with the others to eat Sharma, although no one knew what it was. It ended up being pretty good. Then we all were escorted to the helicarrier once again for a debriefing. After that Fury said we were free to go, until they brought Loki back in two day's time. After the meeting Bruce said he'd be right back and went back into talk to Fury. I was about to wait for him until Tony dragged me off to somewhere.

"Elizabeth I would like you to meet Pepper. Pepper this is Elizabeth, Bruce Banner's fiancé." The strawberry blond woman in front of me squealed before giving me a hug.

"Finally another woman who will understand what I go through being with a hero."

"Oh, I was under the impression he was a tin can?" We both giggled and began discussing our lived and were becoming fast friends. I'm not quite sure how long we had been talking before Bruce came back. He walked in and saw Pepper and I and shook his head while smiling.

"Oh, no. this is not good."
"Tell me about it, worst mistake ever to introduce these two." Tony said from behind his computer screen. Pepper scoffed and went over to smack him. While I went over to Bruce to give him a kiss. "Now why can't you do that to me instead of abuse me, huh?" Tony complained to Pepper, while Bruce and I both laughed quietly at Tony's antics. While all of us were anxious to get away from here, I would also miss everyone and their quirks.

Finally, it was time for Thor to take Loki back to their father, I kind of felt bad for Loki, only looking to get his father's approval, but I don't feel that bad because so many people got hurt. All of us were walking into Central Park where they would depart. Finally, when this really would be over. Tony being Tony invited Bruce to go work with him on numerous projects and also invited me as well. Mainly because he knew Bruce wouldn't go without me. But Bruce hasn't given an answer yet, nor will he talk about it with anyone, which worried me abit. But I trust Bruce to make a decision right for himself. Lost in my own thoughts I almost missed Thor and Loki's departure. With a twist of the tesseract they were gone and the Avengers were then released from duty. Bruce grabbed my arm before I could make it out of the park.

"I know you have been worried and also curious as to the past few days, especially concerning Fury and Tony." I just nodded my head for him to continue. "I wanted to talk to Fury about something, I wanted to make sure that since I helped them, since we helped them with Loki, that they will completely erase you and I from any and all government information, that I can live without looking over my shoulder. That I can be with you without worrying about putting you and your family in danger. All of which Fury agreed to." Now he smiled and I couldn't help but smile as well. I leaned forward and planted a kiss upon Bruce's lips.

"What about Tony's offer Bruce? I know you want to take him up on it and just know I will support you no matter what and move here to New York if it means we will be together."

"But what about your job and your family?"

"Oh, Bruce, I can teach anywhere, plus Shield can help persuade schools if needed. My family yes I would miss them, but there are such things as cellphones, computers, and planes. Speaking of which I lost my cell phone and they're probably worried sick about me."

Bruce smiled, "why don't we talk about this more on the flight home?" He said while pulling two first class tickets out of his pocket.

Our flight was okay, we decided that we'll have the wedding here with my family and the Avengers can come if they wish. Bruce wouldn't listen to my idea of stopping at the courthouse before heading to Gram's. He believed I deserved a big wedding with everyone I love there. When all I wanted was Bruce to be there. So here we are pulling up to Gram's' house where it seems everyone is here for the annual BBQ. At least it will make this easier than telling the story multiple times. Bruce looked just as nervous as he did the first time he met the family and I'm pretty sure that I have the same look this time. It was different now, they haven't seen Bruce in well over a year now and I pretty much up and vanished without telling anyone where I was going or how long I would be gone. Not to mention the invasion in New York was broadcasted nationally. I know my face was showed, but Shield made sure that my name was kept confidential. The same with Bruce, while they mainly had footage of Hulk, there is one with Bruce transforming into Hulk, you would only recognize Bruce if you knew who he was and unfortunately my family did know who he was.

"Lets get this over with. " I said opening the front door. We both walked in, no one was in the living room, meaning they were already eating and in the kitchen and or dining room. I felt Bruce squeeze my hand for support and comfort. I did the same and took a breath while we walked into the dining room, my uncles saw us first and dropped their forks mid bite. My cousins were confused and looked where they were looking and dropped their forks as well.

"What has gotten into you all? You all look as if you've seen a ghost!" Gotta love my Gram, putting it how it is.

" I fear that they may have Gram." I spoke up. Gram snapped her head around so fast, I thought for a moment she would get whiplash. Instantly she shot up and pulled me into a bone crushing hug.

"Don't you ever I repeat ever leave without telling anyone, especially for three months! And you!" She said to Bruce pulling him into a gigantic hug along with me, " don't you ever leave my grandbaby like that again, you hear?" All he could do was nod his head in agreement. "Before you explain everything grab some food. The two of you look peakish, come now." Plates full of food were shoved into our hands and our butts were pushed into chairs and every pair of eyes were focused on us.

My Uncle Tim broke the silence first, "Why the hell did you two disappear and why does my niece have a rock on her finger?" My female relatives gasped and Darla who was sitting on my left grabbed my hand to confirm that I indeed had a ring on my finger. Bruce spoke up before I could.

"Well, we'll start with how much you guys know about the invasion in New York?" Everyone, but Gram looked confused.

"I know I saw you Elizabeth in some of the footage, but everyone was telling me I was crazy! Why would you be in New York helping superheroes?" Darla spoke up.

I smiled, " Well, you were right Darla, that was me in New York. I was helping Bruce and the others in New York."

"This is initially whey I left in the first place, I was positive people had found me and wanted me to work for them and to keep Elizabeth and you guys safe, I left. I had hoped they would follow me and leave you guys alone, thankfully I was correct." Bruce explained.

"Why would people be after you, Bruce? I didn't see you on the news or in fact I saw everyone but you." My Uncle Jay said.

Bruce sighed in defeat we knew we had to tell them. I grabbed Bruce's hand for support. "You guys saw the other guy, while I guess it's still me, it doesn't look like it." Everyone was confused, I made eye contact with Bruce as a way to let me know if I should take over, he nodded.

"What Bruce is trying to say is that he was there, you just didn't recognize him. Being as he was big and green at the time." I saw the looks of surprise when it finally clicked.

"You're the Hulk?!" Practically everyone yelled. Bruce sheepishly replied.

" Yes, I am."

"Did you know Elizabeth? How-"

I cut everyone's questions off, " Yes I knew, I knew before I even met Bruce. Hulk saved my life one night coming home from work and we became friends. When I finally got to meet Bruce we hit it off as well. I know what you guys are probably thinking, but no Bruce and Hulk have never once hurt me, all they have ever done is protect and love me. If you can't accept Bruce for who he is, I'll leave and you will never hear from or see me again, are we clear?" Everyone nodded, except Gram who simply smiled.

"Honey, why don't you two start from the beginning and fill us in?" My mom asked us with a small smile on her face, telling me she accepted Bruce the way he is.

Bruce and I were able to tell our story from the beginning with minimal questions. It seems as if everyone was alright with it.

"Well, I guess I know who not to piss of anymore, eh?" Uncle Jay said to lighten the modd.

"Honey, since that's all out in the open, when is the big day?" Bruce and I glanced as each other,
"as soon as possible," we said together. Which started the women in the room to go bezerk. They began to plan the wedding while Bruce and I snuck outside to have a moment alone. I walked into Bruce's embrace and we just held each other.

"I'm glad it's all worked out," Bruce whispered into my hair.

"Me too, me too."

Epilogue

"Hey Small Fry, thought I'd make sure you didn't decide that green wasn't your color."

"Tony! I can't bring you anywhere!" Pepper exclaimed while smacking him upside the head. Laughing I gave them both hugs, " I'm glad you could make it Pepper, but however did you get this tincan past TSA?" Tony scoffed while Pepper laughed hysterically.

"Alright, I guess I'm not wanted here. I'll go corrupt the groom into fleeing." Tony said over his shoulder as he left the room.

"So dramatic that one is." Pepper hummed her agreement. "Mmhmm." After catching up on how everyone is coping back in New York after the invasion that happened three weeks ago; my mom, Grams and Darla entered to put the finishing touches on myself before it was time.

You would think that I would be nervous, that I would have the typically pre-wedding jitters and thoughts. The what if he got cold feet, what if I have cold feet, would I trip on my way to the alter, would someone (Tony) object to our bonding? So many what ifs that I've heard from other brides and grooms in the past. But as I get ready to walk down that isle, I feel excited and impatient and happy. Walking up the isle seeing Bruce's face light up more than I thought possible, I knew that I loved this man for everything he is, including Hulk.

"You look radiant."

"You look quite dashing." Bruce and I whispered to each other while the officiate was doing his speech. Bruce and I couldn't look away from one another, we were in our own bubble and nothing was going to break it.

"uh-em….." Well except maybe the officiate. "Do you take this man to be your holy wedded husband?"

"I do."
"Do you take this woman as your holy wedded wife?"

"I do."

"I do declare you officially Mr. and Mrs. Banner, you may kiss your bride"."

"With pleasure!" Bruce leaned down to kiss me, while I wrapped him in my embrace. The guests started cheering, with Thor and Tony being the loudest out of them all.

The reception was a success. The cake was a hit, but why wouldn't it be it is cake after all. Pepper caught the bouquet and proceeded to wag her eyebrows at Tony as a hint, while everyone laughed at his expense. Tony got over it however when somehow Natasha was the one to catch the garter and proceeded to tease Clint over who wears the pants in their relationship. Over all everyone was having a blast. Bruce and I were on the dance floor swaying to a slow song.

"I'm the happiest man on Earth right now." Bruce whispered.

"Just Earth, think they're happier up in Asgard?" I quib back at him.

"No, not at all. Nothing could make me happier than having you in my arms." I look into Bruce's eyes.

"Nothing?" He shook his head no with a smile.

"Not even this?" I said while placing his hands on my stomach? It took exactly four seconds for it to click and he quickly looked up.

"Are you-? How-? But-? …..when?" He finally asked.

"Before the invasion started and we were passing time waiting for the tesseract to be located. Tony did tell is to get a room, remember…?" Bruce blushed and nodded. " I'm roughly 8 weeks along. Healthy heart beat and heart rate Sheild medics believe that this will be a normal pregnancy and a normal healthy baby. Nothing to worry about. If you're still worried I'm sure Tony would be more than happy to help you run some tests to be sure." Bruce I could tell was still in shock. "Are you happy about this?" I asked him mildly worried.

"Happy? I am ecstatic! I always wanted a family, but never thought I could. Let's tell your family before they leave if you want to?" Bruce said while kissing me in between every word.

"There's only one thing we had to do before that."

"What?" Bruce asked confused.

"We have to tell Hulk that he'll be a father as well." Bruce smiled and leaned in for another kiss.

"I love you, Lizzy."
"I love you too, Bruce."

The End