Sorry, no action in this part. It's conversation... So if you don't want to read that, by all means ignore it :) I have plans for action in the next part though, you find out a little more about this Mak character. I don't have the full idea though...
Do I own the avengers or anything recognizable? Psh. No. What makes you think it's good enough for that?
"So.. I'm guessing you saw my infamous alter-ego?" Came his answer after a long pause.
"Yeah, I've been meaning to ask about that. Does he normally pick people up?"
He gave Mak a sharp glance as he said "He picked you up? Are you hurt at all?"
"Well. I can't use my legs." Mak replied with a small grin and he sighed. Mak wasn't entirely sure if he was sighing because she made a disability joke or he sighed out of relief, but it was sort of nice all the same.
"To answer your question though, no, he doesn't."
"Didn't think so."
Mak looked at the man walking beside her and curiosity crowded her mind with more questions. First and foremost though: was he OK? Obviously he was tired but that's to be expected when the guy turns into an adrenaline driven, huge, green rage-monster. The stress and crash from that has to be enormous, no pun intended. Other questions such as why it.. he.. argh! What he turned into felt the need to get her off the bus, how he broke the law of conservation of mass, how he can even transform, things like that.
"Mak? You're staring..."
Mak snapped out of her questions with a start "Oh.. sorry.."
"It's fine. I can practically hear your questions already, so just ask them while I'm lucid enough to answer." He replied, exhaustion making his voice heavier than before.
"Well, first question. Are you going to be OK? I mean, the stress of it looks like it kills you!"
He kept his eyes focused on the people in front but Mak could almost see a hint of the smile she had seen on the bus earlier. "Thanks for the concern, but this HAS happened before. I'll be fine."
"Oh.. I knew that.. That's good. I mean, not good that it's happened before but..." I really hope that didn't sound as stupid to him as it does to me, she thought with a grimace.
"Don't worry, I know what you mean. Next question." his words were starting to come slower as he replied. She wasn't sure if that was normal, or if it was just proof that he was really tired, but she needed to get him.. well, wherever they're going. He had just started in a random direction. Speaking of which...
"Hey, this wasn't on the original list of questions, but where are we going?" She asked while looking around. There weren't very many residences in this part of the city, mainly just businesses.
"Stark Towers."
"Oh good, that's.. well sort of nearby. Can you stay awake long enough for me to call a cab?"
"I don't know if that would be the best idea at the moment."
"Why not?"
"Cab drivers drive a bit too fast for my taste."
"Wh—ooooh. Okay. Well, hurry up the pace then." She finished with a smile. "I can't use my legs and I'm walking faster than you!" She tapped her support on the sidewalk for emphasis.
"Right.. Right, sorry." He started walking faster so that Mak had to try and catch up to him and not the other way around. She wasn't sure if she liked the difference now. He waited for her to catch up and said "So were there more questions you wanted to ask?"
"Oh yeah, a couple. Just not ones I think you'd answer. My god man, slow down!" She answered as she yet again had to catch up. Her arms were so not used to this.
He laughed and slowed down somewhat. "Try me, I don't get offended easily."
"Ha, I guess not. Well, what exactly do you turn into? I know everyone calls him the Hulk, but what is he? A monster, literally another person, what?"
"That really depends on your perspective and whether or not you're shooting at him." came his easy reply.
"That's a non-answer, Bruce."
"Maybe, but it's true."
"So... He's nice to the people who don't shoot at him?"
"Pretty much, unless they're bystanders in the way."
Mak mulled this over as they arrived at Stark Towers. It loomed so high to the heavens, it probably redefined a skyscraper. The sky by this time had gotten dark and Mak was reminded that it got darker nowadays. People who worked normal hours were coming home and the people who didn't probably were on their way. Who knew their schedules though?
"Well if you can manage to enter the doors, I think I can let you go now without hurting my conscience."
He looked at the sky and the tired look was replaced by an attempt at persuasion. "Come into the tower for the night. It's late and getting dark."
Mak smiled at the change of expression but shook her head. She was more stubborn, she was sure. "No thanks. I need to get back to my own house."
"But-"
"Nope. I'm not coming in. My legs may be paralysed but I've come to be able to take care of myself." With that, she waved a half wave and walked in the direction they came. Yep. More stubborn.
