The World Keeps Changing

Chapter 13

Bruce was staring right at me from across the deck, like he could see me through Bucky's body. Rather Hulk was, through Bruce's eyes. I could see the tension in his posture in the firelight, pulling his shoulders in. Tony had just paused whatever he was saying, and the tension rippled out among the rest of the people present as an edge of worry crept into Stark's voice. Clint and Nat were already on high alert.

"Hey, Bruce, you okay?" he was saying as Bruce started stalking toward me. I could see the green shifting under his skin now. Everyone was on alert, and I could feel the stress in the air.

"Hey, Big Guy, Bruce." I said gently, not sure who exactly would answer, but wanting both of their attention because I could see how hard they were fighting each other now. I could see the straining in the line of his jaw and down his neck. I held up my hands, trying to warn everyone off without breaking eye contact. "What's going on, friends?"

Bucky, Steve and Thor were all on an intercept course and Tony was a hot second from calling his suit. "STOP!" my voice lashed out, cracking like a whip across the silent stress of the moment. They all looked at me, a moment of hesitation. "Everyone, please, trust me." I stopped, and waited for the man stalking toward me.

He was in front of me then. Just outside my touch. Still fighting, muscles bulging and shifting back and forth in waves of green, his eyes flashing back and forth between chocolate and emerald. "Hey, you two." I said softly. I took a step closer and touched his forearm. He flinched, and I let my fingers travel down, taking his hand gently. "It looks like quite the fight you're having in there." I stroked his knuckles with my thumbs. "It looks like it hurts, friends."

He grunted and then growled. I felt more than heard Bucky take a step closer from behind me, and Hulk's eyes shot to him over my shoulder.

"Hey, Big Guy, I see you." His eyes shifted back to me. "You're feeling really left out, aren't you? Everyone is getting to spend time with me today but you."

He grunted again and stepped closer, his movements hitched as the two personalities warred inside him.

"Hulk, everyone is worried. They think you'll hurt me if you come out. That's why I'm being so careful and extra calm right now. I don't want to surprise anyone. I don't want anyone to fight today."

"Hulk no hurt." It was Hulk's voice, his gravel and inflection coming out of Bruce's throat and I could only think how much it must hurt. He said it like he was offended by the very idea.

"I know, Hulk. I know you would never want to hurt me." I raised his hand and cupped my face in his palm, accepting the way it tensed and bulged against my face. "Should we prove them wrong, friend?" I gave him a sly smile. "Should we show them how gentle Hulk is with me?"

He growled again, and returned my grin.

I leaned up, sliding my arms around his neck, and I spoke in his ear, soft and low. "It's okay, Bruce, I've got you both. You can let go now."

He did, and it was like Hulk exploded out. I would have been thrown off of him if he hadn't already had his massive hands there, cradling my head and hips. He grinned down at me. "Hulk got Valhalla." I heard Thor's distinctive guffaw, and someone else sniggered, I guessed Clint. I guess the joke was out.

I chuckled. "You do, Big Guy." I reached my hands up for a hug and he obliged, pulling me close. "You must have really wanted to visit me today, Hulk."

"Valhalla sad. Hulk help?" He sounded so hopeful it melted my heart.

I pulled back and looked him in the eyes. "Hulk did help me. All of my friends helped me feel less sad today." I rested my forehead against his "Thank you."