The Story of Bruce Banner/Hulk (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Hunting a Cure: Heading to New York

Hulk had eventually reverted back into his original human form as Bruce overnight and Betty Ross awoke while still hiding out in the Smoky Mountain National Forest. With Banner struggling to even stand due to the trauma of his latest Hulk transformation during the Battle at Culver University, Betty helped him walk as they made their way out of the mountains and chose to hide out in a motel outside of Ashwood, North Carolina in the foothills of the Smokies. Once there, Banner took a shower to relax but was haunted by visions of Emil Blonsky and the helicopter fired at him during the last battle.

While Betty went out to buy him more clothes, since he was torn during his transformation, Bruce went to the bathroom and vomited up the memory stick he had swallowed containing all their research on the Bio-Tech Force Enhancement Project. Eventually, Betty then returned and expressed her surprise at his decision to swallow the memory stick before handing Banner the clothes she had bought for him, with Banner rejecting a pair of stretchy purple trousers.

While they hid out inside the motel room, Ross spent time cutting Banner's hair, teasing him as he appeared concerned she would not do it right. Once she had finished, Ross held Banner in her arms, leading to the pair kissing and falling on the bed. However, Banner noticed that being intimate with Ross was raising his heart rate so, fearing it would cause him to transform into Hulk if they were to have sex, Banner stopped them, much to both of their disappointment.

As they prepared to go on the run once again, Bruce explained to Betty how they would avoid detection from the United States Armed Forces, noting that she could no longer use her phone or her credit cards due to them being tracked. When Betty questioned how they would be able to get to New York City with only forty dollars, she suggested selling her mother's necklace. Despite Bruce refusing to let her, Betty insisted and used the money to buy a truck.

As they prepared to leave, Banner emailed Mr. Blue before Ross took a quick photograph of Banner as they got inside the truck and began the long drive. Along the way, Ross asked Banner what his own experience of turning into Hulk was like, with Banner comparing it to experiments they volunteered for at Harvard University only more intense. Ross inquired as to whether Banner could learn to control Hulk, citing that Hulk knew her and therefore a part of Banner existed within Hulk, only for Banner to respond to her father had made his intentions clear on weaponizing Hulk and that he wished to get rid of his alter-ego permanently.

Having spent several hours asleep while still on the road, Bruce was eventually awoken by Betty as she had just seen the New York City Police Department were currently searching all the vehicles which were attempting to get into New York City, clearly searching for the fugitives. Fearing this would mean that the SOCC would be able to locate them, Bruce and Betty got out of their truck and got off the bridge, instead of using their remaining cash to hire a boat.

Having made it onto the mainland, Bruce and Betty discussed what would be the best way to get across the city in order to finally meet with "Mr. Blue". Betty at first suggested that they take the subway, but fearing Banner turning into Hulk underground, they decided to take a taxi. However, when the taxi driver drove like a maniac, they got out as Betty screamed at the driver. Seeing how angry she was, Bruce suggested Betty use some of his calming techniques.