Heroes Assemble

Chapter 10: After The Showdown

Hulk landed gently next to a post S.H.I.E.L.D. set up nearby. Soldiers were helping civilians and some were tracking down the remaining Chitauri. Fury was talking to the other Avengers. Hawkeye was backing up what the Director was saying by telling of his experience being controlled. Thor looked undecided. The others looked shocked.

Black Widow looked over at Hulk, her eyes softened as they fell on Loki's quivering form in his arms. Angel landed, dropping off Dr. Selvig. The Thunder Prince looked glad to see his friend, but his eyes soon fell on the quivering immortal in Hulk's arms. He looked away, with a spark of anger in his eyes.

Coulson ran over with a gurney for Hulk to lay him on. The green giant gently laid him on the gurney, resting his head comfortably on the pillow. Loki whimpered as the large arms let him go.

"Sh, it's okay." Hulk assured him gently. "Banner help you now. Hulk still protect you."

Shaking vigorously, Loki nodded. Hulk stepped back and let Bruce out. The doctor shook off the dizziness of the change back. He accepted a wet cloth from Coulson to quickly wash his arms and hands. With that done, Bruce turned his undivided attention to the quivering form on the gurney.

"What do you need, Dr. Banner?" Coulson asked, the agent was taking this very seriously.

"I need disinfectant wipes, gauze pads, wrappings, a few sprints for the left calf and right arm, casting and stitching materials." Bruce listed. "The sooner these wounds get treated the better."

Coulson nodded and raced off to get the requested supplies. Bruce was now alone with Loki.

"Hey." Bruce said gently to him, that earned a small shiver but Loki managed to open his eyes to look at him. "It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you."

"Wh... wh... who a..are y... you?" Loki asked, his voice was barely even audible.

"My name is Bruce Banner." Bruce explained gently, shifting to a tone he used on frightened patients. "The Hulk told me that you were hurt. I'm here to help, if you'll let me."

That caused Loki to freeze in shock. He hasn't been offered help in so long. He did nod, accepting the offer. Bruce just smiled gently.

"I'm very sorry if anything hurts you as I'm taking care of your wounds." Bruce felt a little guilty that Loki was all ready in so much pain, but he'd hoped he could alleviate some of it. "It's completely unintentional, and I don't mean it to hurt you."

Loki's green eyes teared up a bit at that. No one has ever apologised for hurting him, except for Thor or his mother on occasion. He hasn't gotten reassured in a long time. Bruce slowly, tenderly, brushed the tears off Loki's pale cheeks as they steamed down. Instantly, Loki leaned into Bruce's gentle hand, knowing that he wasn't going to be hurt. The scientist smiled softly, knowing that he was beginning to form a fragile bond between himself and Loki. He knew, from years on the run, that's what was needed to treat any severely injured person.

"I'm going to remove your shirt, mostly at least, so I can see the injuries, okay?"

Loki nodded. He slowly moved to help Bruce remove the blood stained garment. He stopped when the doctor's hand was lightly placed on his.

"You don't have to help, Loki." Bruce explained gently. "It's okay, I've got it."

He was shocked again. This man was offering to help, but he didn't have to do anything to earn or deserve it. Loki laid still as Bruce carefully removed his shirt. The doctor bit his lip in concern over several wounds.

Several stab, burns, cuts and lacerations littered his torso and arms. The right arm was definitely broken, same with the left leg. To his credit, Bruce kept calm during his examination. He moved slowly so he wouldn't frighten Loki. Coulson came over, looking a little nauseous at the injuries the doctor uncovered.