𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗳- ʙʀᴜᴄᴇ ʙᴀɴɴᴇʀ

One step at a time

After a few days of rest and care, Emily was finally discharged from the hospital. Though still weak, she smiled softly at Bruce as he helped her into the car, her hand resting lightly in his. The hospital stay had been exhausting, and the idea of going back to her family’s chaotic environment made her anxious. Bruce, sensing this, had already planned a solution.

“You should come stay with me,” Bruce suggested as he carefully adjusted her seatbelt. “At least until you’ve fully recovered. Your family...well, they won’t disturb you there.”

Emily looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise but also relief. She was tired, and the idea of peace and quiet sounded like exactly what she needed. “Are you sure?” she asked. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

Bruce shook his head with a reassuring smile. “You could never be a burden. Besides, it’ll be nice to have someone around for once.”

With a quiet laugh, Emily nodded, leaning back in her seat. “Alright. I think I’d like that.”

---

Days passed, and Emily settled into Bruce’s home. He had gone out of his way to make sure she was comfortable, even putting up some extra pillows and blankets, making sure everything she needed was within reach. They spent the days quietly together, talking, reading, and sharing meals. Slowly, Emily’s strength returned, though Bruce was ever-watchful, ensuring she didn’t push herself too hard.

One evening, as they sat together on the couch, the atmosphere grew warmer and more intimate. The dim lighting and soft music playing in the background created a quiet ambiance. Emily was resting her head on Bruce’s shoulder, and their fingers were intertwined. There was a peacefulness between them that Bruce hadn’t felt in a long time, a sense of closeness that went beyond words.

Emily shifted slightly, looking up at Bruce. “I don’t know how to thank you for all of this,” she said softly, her eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper. “You’ve done so much for me.”

Bruce shook his head gently, his voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Before he could say more, Emily leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a soft, tentative kiss. Bruce’s heart skipped a beat, and he hesitated for a moment, feeling a surge of emotions—joy, relief, and an overwhelming affection for her. He kissed her back, their lips moving together in a slow, sweet rhythm.

But as the kiss deepened, Bruce could feel that familiar tension building inside him. His heart raced, not just from the intimacy of the moment, but from something more primal—something that had always been lurking just beneath the surface. The Hulk.

Emily’s hands slid up his chest, and Bruce’s breath hitched. His body tensed, and he knew he needed to stop before things went too far. He didn’t want to lose control, not now, not with her.

He pulled back gently, breaking the kiss, his breathing uneven as he tried to calm himself. “I—Emily, we should...I can’t...”

Emily looked at him, her expression soft but slightly confused. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bruce sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just...I don’t want to lose control. It’s hard for me, especially when...when things get intense.”

Understanding flashed in Emily’s eyes, and she smiled softly, her hand resting against his cheek. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “We don’t have to rush anything. I’m not going anywhere.”

Bruce closed his eyes for a moment, grateful for her understanding. He leaned into her touch, his tension slowly ebbing away. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For being patient with me.”