irradiated-struldbrug

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BEDLAM NYC -- IT’S ALL GONE TO HELL

THE STORY -

With Earth’s Mightiest Heroes across the globe (or galaxy) fighting an otherworldly invader, the city of New York is suddenly and mysteriously cut off from the rest of the world. The city is plunged into darkness. With no way out the criminals are quick to take advantage of the situation. Heroes are needed to protect the citizens of New York from being crushed by the rising crime and the mystic forces keeping everyone trapped inside. Will they survive and set things right or be crushed under the weight of a city tearing itself apart-?

PLOT  ✝   RULES ✝   ROSTER  ✝   MOST WANTED ✝  APPLY

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A mood.

The Avengers (2012)

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The Hulk is more than just a monster.

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ofwakanda‌:

Truthfully, Shuri had been glad to hear from Doctor Banner, or, more accurately – for the distraction. Ever since the soul stone, she had been working tirelessly to keep herself busy, to stop the memories from flooding back to her. The rational part of her mind still attempted to justify what she had been through, but she wasn’t so sure this was something that could be logically explained.

A formerly sentient being created on an egomaniacal whim and destroyed on another such whim, that was something she could work with. The Vision, as they’d called him, had been in Wakanda since it had been deactivated by Thanos. Shuri had no real desire to fix the machine, and so it was kept in storage while she worked on other tasks.

Banner had contacted her in search for the body – the husk – of the former being, and Shuri had been happy to oblige. It was as good a distraction as any, especially with the uprising of the anti-mutant groups putting her on edge, worry for her friends and others gnawing at her. Plus, she’d thought of a lot of improvements that could be made to the Vision’s design in just the few hours she had spent working with it. They’d done their best making it last time, but Shuri’s best was, well, better. 

“Doctor Banner.” Shuri greeted with a smile and a nod, flanked on either side by Dora Milaje, “This is Ayo, and Teela.” She introduced the two women, who had the Vision on a hovering stretcher, covered with a sheet. “Nothing eventful.” She shrugged, very used to travelling in the Wakandan hovercrafts by now. “You don’t need to thank me, Doctor. I understand your desire to fix him. Though I regret the damage seems fairly severe.”

Bruce nodded at each of the women Shuri introduced.  “It’s nice to meet you both,” he said.  “Sorry, I didn’t realize you would be bringing assistants.”  He ran a hand through his hair.  “I can get some more chairs, but I’m afraid desk space is limited so we’re going to have to share.”

His eyes were drawn to the shape under the sheet.  Though he was sure that Shuri understood some of what compelled him to restore Vision, there were other things that were outside of her experience.  Spending years trying to find a cure only to be met with failure after failure.  Going from being a highly respected scientist to having everyone who knows who you are look at you with some degree of terror, horror, or complete disgust.  Then as the losses piled up for over a decade and the desire for a normal life growing dim as acceptance sets in having to face all the things that would never be.  Children weren’t in his future.  Beyond not being able to father one physically, adoption was out of the question with his record and condition.  Nobody in their right mind would want him around children.  Vision was the product of his intellect.  When Bruce made certain decision regarding leaving, he did spare some thoughts for Vision and thought he would be in good hands.  Though the actual decision to leave wasn’t his and neither was being away for two years.  Upon returning he had several concerns related to how Vision was treated and educated.  He hoped that at some point they would be able to build some kind of relationship, then Thanos murdered him.

He shook himself out of his thoughts.  “Sorry, um, the place I have set up is this way,” he said gesturing for them to follow him.  “The Asgardians have been generous enough to allow me the use of some of their equipment for my own research and have given me approval to use it to help with this.  Though I don’t currently have the Mind Stone, I know who does and I have hope that he will trust me enough to allow me to have it for this purpose.  I am waiting for a containment globe from the Asgardians.  Last time I was in the presence of the Stone things got... volatile.  I’d rather prevent that.”

He opened the door to the room he’d been allowed to transform into a lab and gestured the ladies inside.  “Okay, Vision, let’s get you on the table and see what kind of damage we’re dealing with,” he said looking at the shape under the sheet.  Then he glanced toward Shuri.  “Old habit, I always talk with my patients whether or not they are conscious.”  He even spoke to the dead ones.  It might seem strange to others, but it was how he was.  If Vision couldn’t be repaired then he deserved a decent burial.  He was alive enough to sacrifice himself and understand what that meant.  In Bruce’s mind that meant he deserved to be buried with respect.

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valkyricrs‌:

“I wish there were fun drinks here. I can’t find anything too much stronger than this,” She bemoaned, holding up the beer bottle. There had been a few Midgardian concoctions that had come close to the weaker drinks she’d had on Sakaar, but nothing strong enough to do what she needed it to. 

Banner was a bit of a mystery to her. Hulk, despite people’s perceptions, had been someone she’d almost understood. He was simple, extremely easy to read. Finding out that his entire existence was a mistake, and that he inhabited the body and mind of a Midgardian scientist… it had been a shock, to say the least. It was even stranger that the man happened to be Thor’s friend, almost impossibly strange. 

“You don’t have to explain yourself, Banner.” Brunnhilde shook her head, though she did appreciate it. She was still a little confused by the whole thing, how it worked, it felt like a long story that everybody was in on but her. “That’s why you hesitated to do it again?”

“As good as I can be.” She shrugged. Truthfully, it had been a rough few months, but it had been that way for most of the universe, so she could hardly explain. “Turns out being in charge is a lot harder than I thought it’d be, I’m glad to give the reigns back to Thor, to be honest.”

Bruce shrugged and shook his head.  “I’m the last person to ask when it comes to where to obtain alcohol,” he said.  It wasn’t just his current condition that kept him away from it.  The smell of it was enough to bring back memories that he would rather leave buried.  One of the many scars on his psyche left by his violent, alcoholic father.

Bruce nodded at her question.  “There were several reasons, but that was the biggest one at the time,” he said.  Of course it wasn’t easy to sit there watching people get attacked by monsters when he knew what the Other Guy could do.  “I changed my mind and I was grateful that Thor respected me enough to allow me that.”  He glanced away trying to make sure that particular memory stayed deeply buried.

He smiled a little and nodded when she spoke.  “I get that,” he said.  “Once the fight is over the person in charge has lots of logistics to manage and people come to them with whatever their problems are and their needs.  It’s not easy and not a job that ever really ends.”  He swallowed and shrugged.  “I, um, have never been in charge like that, but I spent lots of time working in places as a doctor.  Medical doctor, sick people, injuries, that kind of thing.  I am acquainted with large groups of people in need.”

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@ofwakanda

Bruce used to spend his time thinking about all the breakthroughs and lifesaving inventions he would create as soon as he could secure the funding.  The problem was that altruism isn’t profitable and anyone investing in the kind of work he would need to do wanted to make money.  He hoped that working for the military would open doors.  Instead, he created a monster or more accurately became one.

Years later in another effort to help people maybe even protect the world from possible alien threats, he created another monster.  In fairness, his goal then wasn’t entirely altruistic.  Of course it didn’t help that he was on the frayed edge of his own sanity and just pretending to hold it together. They gave their monster a job to do and he did it. With ruthless and brutal efficiency he figured out how to create world peace. It required the death of the human race because that was the only logical solution.

In order to combat the second monster he helped create Bruce was convinced to try to create a protector again. This time, he did something right. Vision was a success in ways he couldn't have predicted. Though what time he had with him was short. Don't think about the whys of that, Banner, keep calm. Vision had all the qualities of sentient life. The capacity for self-sacrifice was the particular quality that brought them to this particular juncture.

Since he had no idea what had been done with his body, Bruce made some calls and by the end of them he had the outline of a plan. Vision would be brought here to the Embassy. Maybe with Wakandan technology and some Asgardian technology they could find a way to revive Vision.

At the appointed time Bruce was waiting at the agreed upon spot in the Asgardian Embassy reading a paper on his tablet while he sipped tea. Every so often he made a disapproving noise and continued to read. Sloppy research as well as faulty conclusions tended to have that effect on him.

He looked up when he heard the person he was waiting for arrive. "Good afternoon," he said. His small smile was almost genuine. "How was your trip?" He shoved the tablet in the pocket of his lab coat as he walked toward Shuri. "Thank you for this. It, um, it means a lot to me that you brought him here."

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itsnanotech‌:

Tony’s gaze was drawn to the way Bruce was gripping the teacup - almost as though it was a lifeline. He was definitely tense, and now Tony wanted to know why. Of course, there was every chance that the tension was because of him – which… he supposed was understandable. 

Bruce’s answer was brief and to the point, which Tony appreciated even if it didn’t give much away in terms of information. “How’s the gamma radiation poisoning?” he queried, then gestured at the tea. “Were you going to grab a drink? Here, I’ll walk with you.”

Nodding in response to Bruce’s words, he considered for a moment before venturing a suggestion. “If you wanted a vacation home, the Avenger’s Compound is always open to you,” he said, giving Bruce a smile. “No murderbots this time, I promise.” 

His smile grew wider as Bruce asked how he was. “I’m glad to be home. And I’m glad that the mission was a success.” Drawing in a deep breath, he glanced around. “Honestly? Knowing that Thanos is dealt with is a massive weight off my mind. Maybe I’ll finally be able to retire like I’ve been trying to do for the last three years.”

"Fine," Bruce said in response to Tony's question. "Nothing I can't handle." It wasn't a question Bruce expected to get. Nobody really seemed to care in the slightest when it was a big problem. Now that the cause of his internal imbalance was removed, it was really a moot question. He'd lived with gamma poisoning since his accident. His blood and other body fluids all had some gamma in them. Enough that his blood was highly toxic. Somehow his system adapted to it.

"I was going to make some tea," he said. He gestured toward the room that had a coffeemaker with a valve that put out some boiling water so he could steep tea. "They were kind enough to accommodate me when I requested it."

He was extremely glad that he had the kind of poker face he did when Tony spoke again. The idea that time with the Avengers could be considered a vacation made him wonder what new and extremely low level of Hell he was going to be heading toward. "I'll keep that in mind," he said with an even tone.  All things considered he might have preferred facing murderbots.

He merely nodded when Tony spoke of Thanos being defeated and it being a good time for Tony to finally retire. The storm of emotions it set off inside him made his mind take a back seat while his body went on autopilot making tea. He never wanted to be part of all this. There was no retiring for him. The job wasn't why he was here. He was here because of what he was. As long as the monster was part of him there was no chance he'd be left alone. No options for a normal life. He couldn't even have a normal relationship with the woman he loved more than anything. "I'm happy for you," he said. His own voice sounded far away as if someone else was speaking. "You deserve a break. Let someone else fight the good fight." Inside the confines of his mind Bruce sat with his venomous thoughts. While his body continued to function showing no sign of the chaos inside.

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the-oldest-reaper‌:

Death tilted her head and regarded Bruce at his question. It was an odd question and one she knew he struggled with on more than one occasion. “Forgive you?” she repeated. “I do not believe she realizes that there is anything that needs her forgiveness,” she told him calmly. She leaned forward and gently whispered into his ear, “Neither did she.” She did not commonly pass messages from the dead to the living, mostly because the living couldn’t see her or wouldn’t remember, but perhaps it would bring him a small peace in this moment.

“That I do. Some are far more interesting than others,” Death shrugged. “I think he wanted a quill because I inspired him. That’s not a very common reaction, but I do enjoy being surprised.”

Bruce felt his throat closing as too many emotions flooded through him. The past was too close here. He remembered going to the ER a few times when he was a kid. His mother took him for broken bones from falling off a bike he didn't have. The bruises on her own face and arms telling a story that in those days nobody talked about. She tried to protect him and got hurt because of it. Seeing Betty like this made him think his worst fear had come true. That despite all his efforts he'd become his father. "Thank you," he managed in a choked voice. Hearing that his mother didn't hold a grudge against him gave him some peace, remembering was the hard part.

He smiled a little. "That sounds so fascinating," he said. "His kind of creativity isn't my field, but to be inspired in such a situation sounds so very like him."

"Banner!" General Ross hissed as he entered the room.

Bruce froze fearing a fight that would hurt Betty more. "General," he said. "Let's take this outside. Give Betty some peace." He glanced at Death when he stood up and gave her a quick nod. Even though he needed to step outside as long as Betty wasn't alone he felt better about leaving. He hoped she would decide to stay which he knew was selfish of him, but it was what it was.

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Who’s this guy again? I’ll explain later.

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valkyricrs‌:

Brunnhilde was on Embassy duty today. The Asgardian Embassy was something they had worked very hard to establish, and something they needed to work even harder to maintain. She couldn’t say she blamed the mortals for the frustrating mistrust of other lifeforms, seeing as the majority of those that had ever visited their planet were far from friendly, but it made it all the more difficult for the Asgardian people to successfully integrate themselves into their society.

Of course, Thor had done some excellent groundwork. She was beginning to see how his endlessly friendly personality was a benefit to their people, as the Midgardians trusted him before she’d even arrived back to earth. 

Still, even if she saw the benefit of what they were doing, answering idiotic questions and negotiating peace was draining, and she soon found herself in the main area of the Embassy, sitting on one of the benches with a beer in her hand. Midgardian liquor was pitifully weak, but it would have to do.

“Hey, big guy.” Val grinned when Banner walked into the room, hopping off the bench and strolling over. “Don’t go too crazy there.” She chuckled, eyeing his tea.

Bruce tried not to jump when the person he hadn't noticed spoke. Maybe it wasn't fair of him to feel like he was surrounded by people he couldn't trust in a situation that could quickly become volatile, but that's how he saw things. Since his accident few people had proved trustworthy. The raw power of the creature he shared a body with created several kinds of difficulties for him.

The woman who spoke was someone he was familiar with, but still a huge mystery to him. Though he hadn't been given a reason not to trust her. "Just tea," he said with a small smile. "I think I will leave the fun, crazy making beverages to you and Thor."

He ran a hand through his hair. "Um, I should probably explain the... um, whole thing with the green guy," he said. "I don't remember much of anything when he takes over. Flashes, garbled pictures in my head mostly. There's so much noise and it's-- well, hard to explain." He swallowed hard and looked down at his cup. "At the time because of what had happened, spending two years as him, I wasn't sure if-- I didn't know whether or not I would come back if I became him again." He tried to smile again, but it didn't last long. "It's complicated."

He looked away for a moment then looked back at her. "It's good to see you again. How have you been?" he asked. The details of what happened on Asgard and afterwards were a confused jumble to him. He had to rely on other people for the details.

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itsnanotech‌:

Tony had accounted for most of the Avengers. Two remained - Thor and Bruce. The former would be easy enough to find, Tony thought - the Asgardian Embassy was the most obvious place. Bruce, he suspected, had slipped away in the chaos, probably gone to ground. Tony couldn’t blame him - the world was so unstable, public opinion of superheroes split sharply down the middle. For every person who was thanking them, there was at least another blaming them for the whole Snappening fiasco.

Still, Tony missed his friend. Friends, really, since the Big Green Guy was a friend in his own right. It had been good to see them again, even if it had been in dire circumstances.

Which was why, when he first saw Bruce in the Embassy, he had paused in surprise, believing that his eyes were playing tricks on him. It couldn’t be - he’d come here looking for Thor, and he’d been thinking about Bruce so…

But it really was him, right down to the way he moved quietly about his own business, determined not to draw attention to himself. 

Sorry, science bro. I was never one to be polite.

“Bruce,” he said, planting himself firmly in front of the other and blocking his way. Offering up a big grin, he scanned him, glad to see that he wasn’t obviously ill - at least not in the leaking-blood-from-his-nose-and-about-to-keel-over way. But without doing a more invasive scan, it was impossible to tell if he was still suffering from the radiation poisoning. “How’s my favourite expert on gamma radiation? Are these your new digs?” He nodded, glancing around the Embassy. “I like it. Definitely a step up from our last holiday destination.”

Bruce wasn't expecting to see Tony or anybody else in the Embassy.  For the most part the areas he kept to were always empty, he preferred it that way.  Being back on Earth was still something he was getting used to.  Though now that there wasn't a problem to solve or an enemy to defeat, all the things he'd put aside had reared their ugly heads demanding to be dealt with.

He gripped his tea cup tightly as he stood facing Tony.  Apparently he wasn't being given the option to get his tea.  It was an effort to not roll his eyes at Tony's first question.  It was hardly much of a compliment when the qualifiers narrowed down the candidates to a single person to choose from.  "Fine," he said.  The implied qualifier 'for me' left his response accurate though up to interpretation.

"No," he said.  "I have a room here until certain decisions are made by Thor.  His first responsibility is to his people.  If granting me asylum creates too many problems then I expect he will do what is best for them as he should."  He shrugged.  "I'm used to it.  I have other places I can go."

Bruce tapped his finger against his tea cup not really sure what to say.  "How are you?" he asked.  It was hard to admit how broken things had become.  Even harder to ask whether repair was an option.  Easier to just pretend everything was fine.

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And They’re Not of Snow White (solo)

Every year the holiday season seemed to sneak up on Bruce. He would turn a corner and suddenly be assaulted by decorations.  At some point he hoped the sight of brightly decorated trees with wrapped presents underneath them would begin to fill him with something other than terror and shame.

You little monster.  The twisted and ugly voice echoed in his head and his shoulders hunched protectively as he expected a blow that wasn’t coming. It was an ingrained response. Like Pavlov's dogs. Though this bell was dust in his grave the memories kept him alive, frozen in amber.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath trying to ignore the ghosts and stay calm.  The danger wasn't real and he had to remember that. It was probably best to return to his room. Stay in a safe place that was free of such trappings.

When he opened his eyes he avoided looking toward the tree and moved toward his room. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the edge of the red tree skirt with a white fluffy fringe.

Blood on snow. Slowly moving. Mommy won't wake up.

Bruce moved faster trying to outrun the memories. A strange mantra came to mind and he embraced it. "I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer," he whispered as he walked down the hall.

A piece of paper caught his eye when he reached his door. Looking over the flier briefly he crumpled it up before tossing it in trash. Parties weren't something he enjoyed. Holiday ones were the worst kind. Though this year he had the best excuse. If he stepped foot off Asgardian territory he was subject to arrest and would be taken to a deep dark hole where he figured they'd want to take his insides outside and see how he worked.

Picking up his tablet Bruce opened up a book that he knew would take his mind off current events. Bruce Banner, world expert on gamma radiation, city destroying monster on a bad day, had one guilty pleasure and it was Spanish romance novels.

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the-oldest-reaper‌:

Death was relieved when Bruce did not ask about her change in demeanor. He would learn soon enough of his new condition. She could tell him, but it would only bring him more distress now, along with the potential death of a loved one. He would not remember her as he had not the previous times she had seen him. There was no reason to bring him needless sorrow and force him to feel the pain of it twice.

Death had watched this many times, but she so rarely spoke with the one grieving and not solely the one deciding if they should pass. “She hears you,” she assured him gently. “She has much to consider, but she hears the words you have said and those you have not.” Speaking with humans and other species so much, she had a firm grasp of their emotions, even if she did not share them. His guilt over harming the woman was palpable. His love for her was just as strong, if not more so. He had not said such words, but she and Betty knew it to be true.

“400 years,” Death repeated airily, almost teasingly. “Is that a long time?” she asked him. He may think so for now, but that would all change for him. She hoped that he did not become callous as so many others had over their condition. “I do like the quote. He was an interesting fellow to walk with in his end.”

Bruce held Betty's hand gently. The contact was important to him, even in silence she would know he was here. "She's had to be good at hearing what I'm not saying," he whispered. He wondered briefly how much Death understood about the mortals she walked with. "Do you think-- whatever she decides, is it possible that she will ever forgive me?" He was asking about Betty, but for a moment he thought of his mother too. Did she forgive him? Was it possible for the dead to forgive not only what happened when they were alive, but things that happened after they died? If she knew the answer would it be worth what it would take out of him to ask knowing that he wouldn't remember the answer?

Best to focus on Betty right now.

He gave her an almost smile. "It is to us, though obviously not to you," he said. "I shouldn't be surprised that you met him, but you meet everyone eventually."

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After an extremely important trip to pick up an extremely important person, Bruce brought her to the safest place on Earth for them:  The Asgardian Embassy.  It was a place that offered the protection of Asgard without removing them from Earth.  Until he got some kind of response from Thor about whether or not they could stay with his people, it was the best they could do.

The medical equipment the Asgardians had was more than capable of giving him an accurate assessment of his current health.  The time consuming and rather frustrating part was translating their terms into terms he understood.  A very clear picture was forming and it wasn’t a picture he wanted to look at.  When it became too much, he put it away for a time and dove into something else.

A quick stop on the return trip allowed him to grab some clothes and computer equipment.  When he wasn’t spending time with Betty, he was researching and catching up on what he’d missed.  He read through research articles at a blinding speed following them with news articles and a few novels that interested him.

Of course when he needed a fresh cup of tea it meant he had to venture into the main area of the Embassy.  He didn’t expect to run into anyone.  He just offered a polite nod then went about preparing his tea.

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dr-elizabeth-betty-ross‌:

Betty shook her head. She knew she needed to pull herself together. She didn’t need Bruce thinking that one fight would take her out of the game. She hadn’t even hurt anyone, she was pretty sure. Still, Bruce being so sweet just made her feel worse about losing it. Taking a breath, she ran a hand through her dark hair, pushing it from her eyes.

“I’ll be okay,” she told him. “I guess it just shook me up.” It might take some processing, but she didn’t exactly have the luxury of not being okay.

Sighing, she forced a small grin.“I wish we could watch Ferris Bueller,” she said with a teasing smile. “Do you remember when we were in college?” In college when they used to watch whatever 80s movie that Betty had on hand at the time. 

Bruce was very aware that he had extremely poor social skills.  The damage done to him in early childhood was just the beginning.  His peers shunned him for various reasons growing up.  Not for the first time, he wished he could be different for her.

Nodding once at her assurances, he pulled his hand back and shoved it in his pocket.  He looked away from her, not sure what else to do.  She didn’t seem to want his help or support though he was expected to take hers at every turn.  It was confusing and unfamiliar to him.

“I remember,” he said softly.  As far as he knew he hadn’t ever lost time when he was with her.  His memories of their lives together had been a lifeline for him in the early days.  Her smile, her laugh, a memory of them together had given him peace when nothing else could.  Before he learned how to manage his condition better, he needed a calming focus and he had found it with her.  Spending nights in watching movies with her was his favorite way to spend a casual evening.  “Don't think I’ve watched it since the last time I watched it with you.”  He hadn’t exactly been having the kind of life that let him sit and watch movies, on top of that it wouldn’t have felt right to watch them without her.

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dr-elizabeth-betty-ross‌:

Betty was overwhelmed, if she was honest. And she normally didn’t let Bruce see the side of her that was overwhelmed. After all, the last thing she wanted was for him to get it into his head that she couldn’t handle things. Still, she had never been mind controlled like that before. She’d never even been on a field like that. Mostly, she had just felt stupid thinking that she had any place there except for when Bruce needed her.

As Hulk set her down, she could feel herself tearing up again, her throat tightening. She didn’t think she had hit anyone with the bullet, but she certainly could have. Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from crying, she very nearly managed to keep her cool.

Until Bruce was there and asking her if everything was okay. It was her job to ask him, dammit. “I, uh…” Her pale eyes dropped and she shook her head. “One of Thanos’…things managed to get in my head. I tried to shoot our friends. If it weren’t for Kurt…” She was a crackshot. If it weren’t for Kurt, someone would be dead.

Bruce knew whatever had upset Betty had to be big, she wasn’t one to get upset over something trivial.  She had always been someone who grounded him even before the accident.  They had a rapport that defied explanation.  He thought that after all this time it would change, but it hadn’t.

When she explained what happened he knew what she was going through having had a similar experience, but he was at a loss about what to do.  The knuckles on the hand gripping his pants turned white.  Though he knew the being responsible was dead or something close it still made him angry that they had done that to Betty.  His other hand gently reached to touch her shoulder.  Part of him wanted to hug her tightly, he just didn’t know what she needed.  Though deep down he blamed himself, pushing her away to protect her was the wrong move.  This was his life, he wanted her to be part of it as long as she wanted to be part of it.  In any case this was not the time.

“I will have to thank Kurt,” he said gently.  “Betty, I know this probably won’t help at all, but I have been under mind control before.  This wasn’t your fault.  Not even a little bit.  If you need to talk about it, I will understand.”  Very gently he ran his fingers over her hair.  “Just... tell me how I can help?”

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@dr-elizabeth-betty-ross

Hulk knew Betty was upset and as much as he wanted to fix that, it wasn’t what he was built to do.  His function was protecting Bruce and those that mattered to him.  Though he tried to make friends it was difficult for him.  As much as he hated to admit it, Betty needed Banner.

He landed on the roof of the place Banner had been staying.  Something about how it looked and smelled reminded him of the pizza place Banner worked in college.  The downstairs area had been converted into a lab of sorts while the room upstairs was where Banner rested on rare occasions.

He very gently put Betty down.  “Betty stay,” he said before taking a few steps back.  The change when much smoother when neither of them were fighting it.  As usual they could put aside their disputes for Betty.

Hulk breathed out slowly as his body began to shrink.  In moments a confused Bruce was standing there holding onto his pants.  “Betty?  What happened?” his eyes searched her face.  “Are you okay?”