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It had only been a couple of days later when Devon had lost control for only a second. In that brief moment, she landed a wide swing on Bruce. In turn, that punch brought on the scientist's change. Luckily, for them Tony was quick to act on what was happening. He ushered the crazed pair into the elevator and pushed the button for one of the basement levels that she had not yet gone to explore, before Tony leaped out of the elevator.
The elevator had dropped swiftly as the pair huffed and glared angrily at each other. Bruce was turning greener with each floor that sounded as the car continued down uninterrupted. Devon charged at the man, throwing her shoulder into the blow. As the doors opened, they stumbled out of the elevator and into a large open room.
Given more space and less control, Bruce's transformation to the Hulk completed.
Devon's attention was fully on the Hulk as the animal in her mind screamed in delight. Even when she lost herself to the rage, she never entirely let the beast free. This time was different. This time she knew it was safe to lose control. She was the only one who could get hurt if the beast never calmed enough to be in its cage.
That was the last she was able to think about the matter as a giant green fist came smashing down at her. Devon caught Hulk's wrist in both hands as she stopped the blow with her own powerful strength. She darted out of the way, as his other fist came at her. He had the size but she had speed.
Somersaulting across the floor, she bounded to her feet. Devon grinned up at the big green man and to her surprise, Hulk grinned back at her. They both new that it was just that fun. As crazy as they might be, they were going to have some fun blowing off steam.
Each strike was like crashing thunder, the concrete crumbled when either of them hit it. There was still destruction from their sparing match but not nearly as bad as it could have been.
As the pair began to exhaust themselves, their blows became farther apart until they each rested against opposite walls from each other. Panting each slowly calmed down with each labored breath.
Devon felt her eyes drift close as she blinked slowly. She was pleasantly tired and happy to have gotten this chance to be free. For most of her life, she had denied this part of herself but now she was able to be one with the animal. It felt so good to be relaxed the beast within her was quiet and for once, she did not fear it.
She must have dosed off for a few moments because she was startled awake when Bruce spoke. "So, remind me never to tap you on the shoulder," Bruce said with a chuckle.
Devon laughed whole heartedly. "I think we'll be good so long as I don't try to deck you."
The pair slowly gathered themselves up. Bruce clung onto his shredded pants as they made their way to the elevator. The doors opened as they neared and with a sigh, Devon walked in. She shook her head looking back at the concrete room; leave it to Tony to create a room that could withstand both of their destructive forces.
When the elevator opened to her floor, she stepped out and shot a smile over her shoulder at the tired scientist. He returned it in kind with a nod of his head. He understood what had happened with her as it had taken him years to learn to accept his other side.
A few hours of sleep and a nice hot shower made all the difference. Devon was relaxing in her apartment when there was a knock on the door. She was in sweats but she was unconcerned about her appearance.
"Come in," she said without getting off the couch. Placing a bookmark, she set the novel down on the table.
"I hear there was an incident while I was out," Steve said with a frown but the concern in his voice softened the expression. He stayed in the doorway to the living room leaning casually on the doorframe.
"Yes," Devon said not meeting his eyes as she stared out the window. She did not want to admit how much good it had done to lose control. She could not tell him that because he was the reason she had to keep such control. They both knew that but bringing it up would just hurt his feelings. Knowing he was disappointed with her was easier than hurting him.
Devon jumped when Steve gently laid his hand on her shoulder. She had been deep in her thoughts that she had not heard him come closer. He turned her so that he could see her face.
"Next time if you want someone to spar with you just have to ask," Steve said giving her a dazzling smile.
She looked up but it was her turn to frown at his comment. The idea of sparing with the soldier was exciting but letting the animal out around him was the last thing she wanted. The beast was crazy enough without adding hormones to the mix.
"I'm sorry. I crossed that line that you work so hard to keep," he said as a wave of sadness passed over his eyes.
Devon would do anything to see his eyes sparkle again. Going up on the balls of her feet, she kissed him on the cheek. The touch was just the faintest of brush of her lips on his skin. She tried to smile but knew that it did not reach her eyes. The pain she felt was still there.
"It's alright," he said softly before pulling her into his arms. He kissed the top of her head and whispered, "We'll find a way to make this work."
That night though she had not needed to keep a tight control on her bestial inner self as she curled into Steve's arms while they relaxed.