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[44] I've Never Felt More Loved By This Man

"You're pregnant?" Bruce whispered, his hand immediately resting on my stomach, as if he could feel something there. I nodded shyly, and he leaned forward to kiss me. I kissed him back, and he carefully caressed my stomach. I blushed and squirmed at his touch, and he pulled me closer. He pulled away briefly and set his forehead on mine, smiling softly.

"I love you so much." he whispered, and he pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back, tears forming in my eyes. He rubbed my back softly, and I relaxed into him.

"I love you too." I said softly, and he pulled back to kiss me again. I kissed him back gently, and again, his hands traveled to my stomach. This time, I seemed to lean into his touch, and he smiled against my lips. I pulled back, and he laid down with me in his arms. He began stroking my hair, and I snuggled against him.

"Bruce?" I asked softly, looking up at him. He pressed a kiss to my forehead before looking down at me, his eyes sparkling.

"Yes?" he whispered, pulling me closer.

"I don't want to tell the others. Not yet, at least." I mumbled, and he nodded.

"Then we won't tell anyone yet. Not until you think it's best."

"I just want to make sure that the tests weren't lying, and this isn't a false alarm." I sighed.

"I understand, and as your husband, I'll always respect your wishes." he smiled, and I grinned. I've never felt more loved by this man, I swear. As we lay on our bed, so many thoughts raced through my mind, including gender, names, and whether or not the baby would turn out to be like us. I could almost imagine a child with Hulk's strength and my powers, but then it hit me: no male in my family was ever given these powers. Only females were given those, erm, gifts. Men were seen as unworthy of holding such power, or at least, those were the dots I'd connected.

"You mean, you're not scared?" I asked, and he bit his lip.

"About.... that?" he asked me, and I nodded.

"What else? Men aren't able to receive the powers I have."

"Well, since the gamma radiation is in my DNA now, it's pretty likely that our child will end up like me." he sighed, and I squeezed his hand.

"There's no need to be afraid, or even worried. You can be sure that whatever happens, we will make it through." I said softly, running my thumb over his knuckles. He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed the back of my hand lightly.

"And that's why I love you. How you're always able to see the silver lining, I'll never know. But, that's what makes you, you." he smiled, and I nodded.

"Exactly. Now, shush, I'm sleepy now." I mumbled, snuggling close and closing my eyes.

"Then sleep. I'll be right here." he whispered, and I nodded.

"Always?"

"Always."

***

When I woke up, Bruce was still at my side, his arm around my waist, his hand resting on my stomach. I smiled, still in a sleepy daze, and he mumbled. I rolled over to face him, and he pulled me close, still sleep-talking. I ran my fingers through his hair, and he relaxed slightly. He smiled in his sleep, and I set my head on his chest, feeling it rise and sink with every breath he took. This is what I was sure love felt like. Love isn't just saying 'I love you.' It's so much more. Love is caring about someone more than yourself, and you would do anything to make sure they were okay. That's how I felt about Bruce, Marie, my dad, or any of my friends.

"Sweetheart, you awake?" Bruce asked sleepily, and I nodded.

"Yes, I'm awake." I said softly, and he pulled me closer.

"I was thinking, about the baby, and you know what?" he asked, nuzzling my neck.

"What?" I asked softly, running my fingers through his hair.

"I hope we have a boy. Marie needs a little brother." he chuckled softly, and I laughed.

"Every girl needs a younger brother, even when he annoys the shit out of them. I wish I had a younger brother." I chuckled, and he squeezed my hip gently.

"Oh well. What time is Marie coming home?"

"Wasn't it at about six tonight?"

"I think so."

I checked the clock: 5:30.

"She'll be home soon." I whispered, and he nodded, kissing my head.

"I love you so much." he whispered, and I smiled widely.

"I love you too Bruce." I mumbled, snuggling close to him. We were both getting a new start, and I couldn't be any happier. My thoughts were racing, of course, but it was knowing that Bruce would be by my side and have my back that had me calm.

"I love you." I whispered again, and he smiled. And we heard the front door open, so we both sat up and climbed out of bed as Marie's footsteps came rushing up the stairs. she giggled as she entered our room, jumping into our arms. Bruce and I shared a look, and we smiled. This is what love is, I know. Fresh start, here we come.

XxxA/NxxX

Hey guys! I know it's been almost three weeks since I updated this, but this here, I feel, marks the end of this book. But don't worry. Bruce and Cynthia are characters in my Tony Stark story, since that also takes place after Iron Man 3, but before AoU. So, continue their parts of the story in that fanfic, and I'll see you guys later. Love you all <3