The Howler (Bruce Banner/Hulk Fanfiction)

Chapter 25: Finding A Home

"Wait, back up," snapped Bruce as he brought his hands over his face and rubbed his pointer fingers hard against his eyes, breathing heavily. "You're telling me that whatever the hell is wrong with you is my fault?"

"That's what Starbound told us," replied Fingo. He didn't see why it was just such a shock for Bruce. Did he think that it was a chance that he had the same ailment as Fanggo.

Bruce looked even more taken aback. "Starbound?"

"Where our ancestors go once they die and watch over us. We call it Starbound. They told us to come and find you for answers," Fingo pressed with a harsh growl. "That's the entire reason that we're here. We need answers and we're going to get them."

Bruce stood up and started to pace. Fanggo watched him curiously as he pressed closed to his brother, fearful of another fit. "This doesn't make any sense. I couldn't have any ties to you. It's not my fault that you are the way that you are."

The fur along Fanggo's spine stood on end as his eyes hardened. "You're not going to help us? You're the entire reason that my brother is laying like this," he seethed with his teeth slightly bared.

Bruce spun around when he heard the growl. He grumbled to himself as he kneeled down beside them. "Look, I'm sorry that you're the way that you are, but-"

"Look, I'm sorry that we intruded on everything. We didn't know what else to do. We just want answers and we would really appreciate if you could help us," Fingo told him as calmly as possible. Clearly arguing with Bruce wasn't getting anyone anywhere. He blinked his eyes hopefully and whimpered as Bruce's eyes fell on him.

The man suddenly lowered down and pulled a syringe from his pocket. Fanggo immediately stiffened and let out a growl. Bruce showed him the syringe and sighed. "It's alright. It's going to make him feel better, I promise. It'll only hurt for a second."

Fingo stiffened as the the object pierced his flank. It only hurt for a moment until the syringe drew back and Bruce rubbed at his foreleg. "Look, we'll talk more in the morning, alright? Fingo and Fanggo brightened. "I'm not saying that I'm going to help you. I just said that we would talk about it in the morning."

That was enough for Fanggo. He dipped his head to Bruce before he settled around his brother with his tail curled protectively around him. He rested his head on Fingo's shoulders while Fingo rested his head on Fanggo's paws. The two brothers seemed content for the time being and Bruce headed over to the door.

"Bruce," called Fingo.

Bruce slowed for a moment. "Yes, Fingo?"

"Thanks for doing this. You didn't have to and we really appreciate it," Fingo started with a large yawn as his eyes started to close.

Bruce couldn't help but smile as he looked at the two of them. They did look pretty cute together. "Of course. Get some rest."

He headed to the door and closed it partially before closing off the light. The only thing that he didn't know was what he had gotten himself into.

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Fanggo awoke early the next morning, ready for a dawn patrol. It was only after a moment that he realized that he wasn't in the pack anymore. He was in a strange room on a weird nest of brightly colored pelts. His brother was sleeping peacefully beside him, almost sprawled on his side. He had his broken leg sprawled out and was clearly favoring it while his face was slightly scrunched up in pain. However, he was still asleep, so Fanggo didn't bother him.